Proverbs 18:17
The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
Free Bible 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 gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.
18Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1After David had gone a little way past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, waiting to meet him. He had two donkeys already saddled with him carrying two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred raisin cakes, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine.
Proverbs 18:13Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.
Acts 24:12Nobody found me arguing in the Temple with anyone, or inciting people to riot in any synagogue or anywhere 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 →