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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_18_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:17 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/18-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/18-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm" title="Proverbs 18:16">◄</a> Proverbs 18:17 <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm" title="Proverbs 18:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>He that is</i> first in his own cause <i>seemeth</i> just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The first <i>one</i> to plead his cause <i>seems</i> right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The first to plead his case <i>seems</i> right, <i>Until</i> another comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The first to plead his case <i>seems</i> just, <i>Until</i> another comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The first to plead his case <i>seems</i> right, <i>Until</i> another comes and examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The first one to plead his case seems right, <i>Until</i> another comes and cross-examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right [until] his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The first person to speak in court always seems right until his opponent begins to question him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The first in his own cause [seems] righteous, "" [But] his neighbor comes and has searched him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Righteous is the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The first one just in his cause; his neighbor will come and search him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The just is the first accuser of himself; his friend arrives and shall investigate him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who plead the case first seem to be in the right; then the opponent comes and cross-examines them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A man is deemed innocent in his lawsuit; but when his neighbor comes he examines him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A man is innocent in his own judgment, and when his neighbor comes, he examines him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3631" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: hā·ri·šō·wn (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">The first</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: bə·rî·ḇōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">to state his case</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">seems right</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">until another</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yå̄·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/2713.htm" title="2713: wa·ḥă·qā·rōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To search. A primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately.">and cross-examines him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></span><br />A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-51.htm">John 7:51</a></span><br />“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a></span><br />But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a></span><br />At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-35.htm">Acts 23:35</a></span><br />he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a></span><br />Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a></span><br />Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a></span><br />This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/13-18.htm">Job 13:18</a></span><br />See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-66.htm">Luke 22:66-71</a></span><br />At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, / “If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-16.htm">Acts 25:16</a></span><br />I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21</a></span><br />“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-6</a></span><br />If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></b></br> He that answereth a matter before he heareth <i>it</i>, it <i>is</i> folly and shame unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">2 Samuel 16:1-3</a></b></br> And when David was a little past the top <i>of the hill</i>, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred <i>loaves</i> of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24-27</a></b></br> And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came <i>again</i> in peace… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/144-15.htm">Case</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Examines</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm">First</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/job/16-21.htm">Pleads</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Present</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/145-3.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Searcheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">States</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Case</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Examines</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">First</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Pleads</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Present</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Searcheth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-14.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-11.htm">States</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>The first to state his case</b><br />This phrase highlights the initial presentation of an argument or perspective. In the Hebrew context, the word "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon) implies precedence or primacy. Historically, in ancient Israelite culture, the first speaker in a legal or communal setting often had the advantage of setting the narrative. This reflects a universal human tendency to be swayed by the first impression, which can seem convincing and authoritative. The wisdom here is a caution against accepting initial appearances without further scrutiny.<p><b>seems right</b><br />The Hebrew word for "seems" (יָשָׁר, yashar) conveys a sense of being straight or correct. This suggests that the initial argument can appear just and truthful. However, the use of "seems" indicates a potential for deception or incomplete understanding. In a broader biblical context, this serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human judgment and the need for discernment. It underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom, as human perception can be limited and flawed.<p><b>until another comes</b><br />This phrase introduces the concept of a second perspective or challenge. The word "another" (אַחֵר, acher) signifies an additional party or viewpoint. In the historical context of ancient Israel, legal disputes were often resolved through a process of examination and counter-examination. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking truth through multiple witnesses or testimonies, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>. It emphasizes the value of patience and thorough investigation in the pursuit of justice and truth.<p><b>and cross-examines him</b><br />The term "cross-examines" (בָּקַר, baqar) involves a process of questioning and testing. In the Hebrew tradition, this was a critical part of legal proceedings, ensuring that all sides of a account were heard and evaluated. This practice is rooted in the biblical call for justice and fairness, as seen in passages like <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2</a>, which speaks to the glory of God in concealing matters and the honor of kings in searching them out. The act of cross-examination is a metaphor for the divine process of refining and revealing truth, encouraging believers to seek deeper understanding and wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">He that is first in his own cause seemeth just.</span>--A man who tells his own story can make a good case for himself out of it, "but his neighbour" (<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>his adversary in the suit) "cometh and searcheth him," sifts his statements, and shows them to be untenable.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that is first in his own cause seemeth just;</span> Revised Version, <span class="accented">he that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just.</span> 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. <span class="cmt_word">But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out</span> (<a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Proverbs 28:11</a>). The "neighbour" is the opposing party - <span class="greek">ὁ ἀντίδικος</span> Septuagint, which recalls <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25</a> - he sifts and scrutinizes the statements already given, shows them to be erroneous, or weakens the evidence which appeared to support them. Thus the maxims, "One story is good till the other is told," and "Audi alteram partem," receive confirmation. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Justus prior est accusator sui.</span> So Septuagint, "The righteous is his own accuser in opening the suit (<span class="greek">ἐν πρωτολογίᾳ</span>)." He cuts the ground from under the adversary's feet by at once owning his fault. St. Gregory more than once, in his 'Moralia,' adduces this rendering. Thus on <a href="/job/7-11.htm">Job 7:11</a>, "To put the mouth to labour is to employ it in the confession of sin done, but the righteous man doth not refrain his mouth, in that, forestalling the wrath of the searching Judge, he falls wroth upon himself in words of self-confession. Hence it is written, 'The just man is first the accuser of himself'" (so lib. 22:33). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The first</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ri·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in place, time, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to state his case</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִיב֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rî·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seems right</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֣יק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until another</span><br /><span class="heb">0</span> <span class="translit">(0)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comes forward</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and examines him.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·qā·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2713.htm">Strong's 2713: </a> </span><span class="str2">To penetrate, to examine intimately</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>