Proverbs 18:17
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, 1 But when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved. 1
Updated Brenton Septuagint
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 enlarges him, 1 And seats him among princes. 1
18A silent man quells strifes, 1 And determines between great powers. 1
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1And David passed on a little way from Ros; and, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth came to meet him; and he had a couple of asses laden, and upon them two hundred loaves, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred cakes of dates, and a bottle of wine.
Proverbs 18:13Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, 1 It is folly and reproach to him. 1
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 →