箴言 18:17

17 先 訴 情 由 的 ， 似 乎 有 理 ； 但 鄰 舍 來 到 ， 就 察 出 實 情 。

箴言 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just
As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears true in telling a tale, in private conversation, in lawsuits before a judge and a court of judicature, and in theological controversies; but his neighbour cometh, and searcheth him;
his neighbour comes into the house, where he is telling his tale, and reports it in another manner, and shows the falsehood of his relation; or he comes into a court of judicature, and sets the cause in quite another light; or he comes out into the worm by public writing, and exposes the errors of a man engaged in a wrong cause, and refutes his arguments. It is generally understood of judicial affairs, that the first that opens a cause is very apt to prejudice the judge and court in his favour, and they are ready to thing at first hearing that he is in the right; but it is not proper to be hasty in forming a judgment till the other side is heard; for his antagonist comes and traverses the point, unravels the whole affair, shows the weakness of his cause, the vanity of his pretences, and makes void all his allegations; and then "he", the judge, so some interpret it, "searcheth"; inquires more narrowly into the case, in order to find out truth, and pass a right judgment and sentence.

箴言 18:17 In-Context

15 聰 明 人 的 心 得 知 識 ； 智 慧 人 的 耳 求 知 識 。

16 人 的 禮 物 為 他 開 路 ， 引 他 到 高 位 的 人 面 前 。

17 先 訴 情 由 的 ， 似 乎 有 理 ； 但 鄰 舍 來 到 ， 就 察 出 實 情 。

18 掣 籤 能 止 息 爭 競 ， 也 能 解 散 強 勝 的 人 。

19 弟 兄 結 怨 ， 勸 他 和 好 ， 比 取 堅 固 城 還 難 ； 這 樣 的 爭 競 如 同 堅 寨 的 門 閂 。