Proverbs 18:17 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

This shows that one tale is good till another is told. 1. He that speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate that only which makes for him, and put the best colour he can upon it, so that his cause shall appear good, whether it really be so or no. 2. The plaintiff having done his evidence, it is fit that the defendant should be heard, should have leave to confront the witnesses and cross-examine them, and show the falsehood and fallacy of what has been alleged, which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just ,.... As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears true in telling a tale, in private conversation, in lawsuits before a judge and a court of judicature, and in theological controversies; but his neighbour cometh, and searcheth him ; his neighbour comes into the house, where he is telling his tale, and reports it in another manner, and shows... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause - Any man may, in the first instance, make out a fair tale, because he has the choice of circumstances and arguments. But when the neighbor cometh and searcheth him, he examines all, dissects all, swears and cross-questions every witness, and brings out truth and fact. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; Revised Version, he that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just. A man who tells his own story, and is the first to open his case before the judge or a third party, seems tot the moment to have justice on his side. But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out ( Proverbs 28:11 ). The "neighbour" is the opposing party— ὁ ἀντίδικος Septuagint, which recalls Matthew 5:25 —he sifts and scrutinizes the statements already given, shows... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

Private judgment The Protestant claim to the right of private judgment is not without its limitations. Applied to general truths it is unanswerable; but carried out in personal affairs it is often very dangerous. Every man may say that he is the best judge of what concerns himself. But two considerations modify that contention. 1 . No one truly knows himself. 2 . A man's doings are not confined to himself. They cross the boundaries of other lives and interests. Therefore, while s... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

Hear the other side There is no truer, as there is no homelier maxim, than that we should "hear the other side," or—what is virtually the same thing—"there are two sides to everything." This is the idea in the text; the lessons are— I. WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT ABSOLUTE ACCURACY WHEN A MAN TELLS HIS OWN CASE . 1 . He may intentionally misrepresent it. 2 . He may unconsciously misstate it. How things shape themselves to our mind depends on our individual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17-21

Evils of the tongue and of contention I. THE FOLLY OF HASTE IN DEBATE . ( Proverbs 18:17 .) "One tale is good till another be told." This saw holds good of private life, of lawsuits, of controversies in philosophy and theology. Audi alteram, partem, " Listen to both sides." This is the duty of the judge, or of him who for the time being plays the judicial part. If we are parties in a debate or a suit, then nothing will hold good except to have the "conscience void of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 18:17

Proverbs 18:17. He that is first in his own cause He that first pleadeth his cause; seemeth just Both to himself, and to the judge, or court, by his fair pretences; but his neighbour cometh To contend with him in judgment, and to plead his cause; and searcheth him Examineth the truth and weight of his allegations, disproveth them, and detecteth the weakness of his cause. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:1-24

Real strength (18:1-24)When people become too confident in their own opinions, they are liable to break away from former friends. They become unreasonable in discussion and blind to the viewpoints of others. Those who despise others will themselves be disgraced (18:1-3). The words of the wise bring refreshment, but those of a fool or a gossip bring destruction (4-8).Those who leave work undone are almost as bad as those who wreck what already has been done (9). Those who trust in God know they... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 18:17

first in his own cause. Illustrations: Saul (1 Samuel 15:13 . Compare Pro 18:26 ); Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1-3 . Compare Proverbs 19:26 ). read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17-21

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 18:17

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:1-24

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 18:17

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