Proverbs 18:17-21 He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.… I. THE FOLLY OF HASTE IN DEBATE. (Ver. 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 offence." II. THE ADVANTAGE OF ARBITRATION. (Ver. 18.) The lot was the ancient mode of arbitration and settlement of disputes in a peaceful manner. Something corresponding to it in modern times may be adopted as a wise resource where other means of reconciliation have failed. Still better, the general lesson may be drawn - commit the decision to the wisdom of God. III. THE MISERY OF DISSENSION. (Ver. 19.) The alienated brother or friend is compared to an impregnable fortress. "Oh how hard to reconcile the foes that once were friends!" The sweeter the wine, the sharper the vinegar; and the greater the natural love, the more violent the hate where that love has been injured. IV. THE SATISFACTION OF WISE COUNSELS. (Ver. 20; comp. Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 13:2.) The mode of expression is strange to a modern ear, but the thought is familiar and welcome. Words here stand for thoughts; the fruit of the lips comes from the root of the heart. When an intensely modern writer says, "Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of your principles," he puts the old truth in a new light. V. LIFE AND DEATH IN THE TONGUE. (Ver. 21.) Here is another great principle, vast in its sweep. "Life and death are in the power of witnesses according to the testimony they bear, of judges according to the sentence they pass, of teachers according to the doctrine they preach, of all men who by their well or evil speaking bring death or life to themselves or to others" (Gill). Perhaps it is true that the tongue has slain its ten thousands where the sword has slain only its thousands. The employment of the tongue, whether for good or for evil, in blessing or in cursing (James 3:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3), brings its own fruit and reward to the speaker. "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." - J. Parallel Verses KJV: He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.WEB: He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him. |
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