Proverbs 18:18

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Proverbs 18:18 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
The Message Bible (MSG)
18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
American Standard Version (ASV)
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
18 [Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart.

Proverbs 18:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:18

The lot causeth contentions to cease
When a case cannot be determined among parties at variance in a private way, nor in a court of judicature, the lot is cast, and that puts an end to all strife, and makes each party easy; they submit to it, and acquiesce in it; and parteth between the mighty;
the kings and princes of the earth; men of great power and authority, and of great riches and affluence; and so in a capacity of contending with each other, and of prolonging the contention, which may be attended with bad consequences; and who are not easily dissuaded from it: or it may intend such who most vehemently disagree; persons of great spirits, who are obstinate and stubborn, and will by no means yield, and there is no parting them by arguments or legal decisions; these the lot parts, and causes them to cease from their quarrels and contentions, and to rest satisfied with the distributions the lot makes to them; as the children of Israel were with their portion of the land of Canaan, assigned them by lot.

Proverbs 18:18 In-Context

16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 16:33
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