Proverbs 18:17
The just is the first accuser of himself; his friend arrives and shall investigate him.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
In Context
16A man’s gift expands his way and makes space for him before leaders.
18Casting a lot suppresses contentions and passes judgment, even among the powerful.
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1And when David had passed a little beyond the top of the mountain, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, appeared to meet him, with two donkeys, which were burdened with two hundred loaves, and one hundred bunches of dried grapes, and one hundred masses of dried figs, and a skin of wine.
Proverbs 18:13Whoever responds before he listens, demonstrates himself to be foolish and deserving of confusion.
Acts 24:12And they did not find me in the temple arguing with anyone, nor causing a rally of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Of what great force gifts (that is, bribes) are he had intimated before, ch. xvii. 8 , 23 . Here he shows the power of gifts, that is, presents made even by inferiors to those that are above them and have much more than they have. A good present will go far, 1. Towards a man's liberty: A man's gift, if he be in prison, may procure his enlargement; there are courtiers, who, if they use their interest even for oppressed innocency, expect to… Read the whole commentary →