Proverbs 18:17
He who pleads his cause first seems right;until another comes and questions him.
New Heart English Bible
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 makes room for him,and brings him before great men.
18The lot settles disputes,and keeps strong ones apart.
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Proverbs 18:13He who gives answer before he hears,that is folly and shame to him.
Acts 24:12In the temple they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or 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 →