New International Version
Proverbs 18:17
17In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
Proverbs 18:17 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
- New Living Translation (NLT)The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
Context of Proverbs 18:17
15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 16A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. 18Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. 19A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
Read all of Proverbs 18Proverbs 18:17 word by word
צַדִּ֣יק הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן בְּרִיב֑וֹ וּבָֽא רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 18:17
- Proverbs 18:13To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
- 2 Samuel 16:1When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine.
- 2 Samuel 19:24Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.
- Acts 24:5“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect
Commentaries on Proverbs 18:17
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 17He that is first in his own cause - Any man may, in the first instance, make out a fair tale, because he has the choice of circumstances and arguments. But when the neighbor cometh and searcheth him, he examines all, dissects all, swears and cross-questions every witness, and brings out truth and fact.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 17A protest against another fault in judging. Haste is hardly less evil than corruption. “Audi alteram partern “should be the rule of every judge. His neighbor - The other party to the suit “searcheth,” i. e., scrutinizes and detects him.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17Verse 17 It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 17It is important to listen to both sides of a disagreement. Only foolish people make quick decisions. Wise people take time to understand.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1717. One-sided statements are not reliable. searcheth--thoroughly (Pr 17:9, 19).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 18:17
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 18
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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