Proverbs 18:17
He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
Leeser Tanakh
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 maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.
18The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty.
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1And when David was passed a little beyond the top [of the mount], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth came toward him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred [cakes] of dried figs, and a bottle of wine.
Proverbs 18:13When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
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 →