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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 />Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The <i>cast</i> lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The lot puts an end to contentions, And decides between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The <i>cast</i> lot puts an end to contentions And decides between the mighty ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To cast lots puts an end to quarrels And decides between powerful contenders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Drawing straws is one way to settle a difficult case. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If two powerful people are opposing each other in court, casting lots can settle the issue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Casting dice settles a dispute, deciding between strong contenders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot causes contentions to cease, "" And it separates between the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The lot will cause contentions to cease, and will separate between the strong,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Casting a lot suppresses contentions and passes judgment, even among the powerful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lot puts an end to disputes, and decides a controversy between the mighty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Casting lots causes contentions to cease and decides between mighty men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Lots resolve a dispute and divide between the strong.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The lot causeth strife to cease, And parteth asunder the contentious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A silent <i>man</i> quells strifes, and determines between great powers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3639" 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">17</span>The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1486.htm" title="1486: hag·gō·w·rāl (Art:: N-ms) -- Or goral; from an unused root meaning to be rough; properly, a pebble, i.e. A lot; figuratively, a portion or destiny.">Casting the lot</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7673.htm" title="7673: yaš·bîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To repose, desist from exertion. A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations.">ends</a> <a href="/hebrew/4079.htm" title="4079: miḏ·yā·nîm (N-mp) -- Brawling, contention. A variation for madown.">quarrels</a> <a href="/hebrew/6504.htm" title="6504: yap̄·rîḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To divide. A primitive root; to break through, i.e. Spread or separate.">and separates</a> <a href="/hebrew/6099.htm" title="6099: ‘ă·ṣū·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Mighty, numerous. Or matsum; passive participle of atsam; powerful; by implication, numerous.">strong opponents.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.…<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="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24-26</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/1-7.htm">Jonah 1:7</a></span><br />“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">1 Samuel 14:41-42</a></span><br />So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. / Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/26-55.htm">Numbers 26:55-56</a></span><br />Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. / Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/18-6.htm">Joshua 18:6-10</a></span><br />When you have mapped out the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God. / The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east.” / As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">1 Chronicles 24:5</a></span><br />Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">1 Chronicles 25:8</a></span><br />They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13-14</a></span><br />They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8-10</a></span><br />After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, / he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. / But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20-21</a></span><br />Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/10-34.htm">Nehemiah 10:34</a></span><br />We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/11-1.htm">Nehemiah 11:1</a></span><br />Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Matthew 27:35</a></span><br />When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-24.htm">John 19:24</a></span><br />So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-19.htm">Acts 13:19</a></span><br />And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a></b></br> The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof <i>is</i> of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/14-2.htm">Joshua 14:2</a></b></br> By lot <i>was</i> their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and <i>for</i> the half tribe.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">1 Samuel 10:21</a></b></br> When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/136-13.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/job/19-5.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/psalms/136-13.htm">Asunder</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/147-17.htm">Casting</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-119.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Contentious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-15.htm">Decides</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-8.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Opponents</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-8.htm">Parteth</a> <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Parting</a> <a href="/psalms/136-12.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Settles</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-25.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Asunder</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Casting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Contentious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-15.htm">Decides</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-19.htm">Opponents</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-3.htm">Parteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Parting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-23.htm">Settles</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Strong</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 /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Casting the lot</b><br>In ancient Israel, casting lots was a common practice used to discern God's will in decision-making. This method involved using stones, sticks, or other objects to determine an outcome believed to be divinely guided. The practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (<a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Joshua 18:10</a>) and the selection of Saul as king (<a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20-24</a>). Casting lots was considered a way to remove human bias and allow God to reveal His choice, reflecting a deep trust in divine sovereignty.<p><b>ends quarrels</b><br>The use of lots to resolve disputes highlights the importance of seeking impartiality and divine guidance in conflict resolution. In a society where personal honor and family reputation were paramount, quarrels could escalate quickly. By casting lots, parties involved in a dispute could accept the outcome as God's decision, thus maintaining peace and preventing further discord. This practice underscores the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation, as echoed in <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."<p><b>and separates strong opponents</b><br>The phrase "strong opponents" suggests individuals or groups with significant power or influence, potentially leading to prolonged and intense conflicts. In the context of ancient Israel, such disputes could involve tribal leaders, family heads, or even nations. By using lots, these powerful figures could be separated or distinguished in a manner that was seen as fair and divinely ordained. This reflects the biblical theme of God's ability to bring order and justice, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a>, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." The resolution of conflicts through divine intervention foreshadows the ultimate peace and justice brought by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which the practice of casting lots was common. It was a method used to discern God's will in decision-making.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/casting_lots.htm">Casting Lots</a></b><br>An ancient practice used to make decisions or resolve disputes. It involved throwing stones, sticks, or other objects to determine an outcome believed to be guided by divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty_in_decision-making.htm">Divine Sovereignty in Decision-Making</a></b><br>The practice of casting lots reflects a trust in God's control over outcomes. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance in resolving conflicts and making decisions, trusting that He is sovereign over all.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/resolving_conflicts_with_wisdom.htm">Resolving Conflicts with Wisdom</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18</a> suggests that impartial methods can help resolve disputes. In modern contexts, seeking unbiased counsel or mediation can be a practical application of this principle.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god_in_uncertainty.htm">Trusting God in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Just as casting lots was a way to seek God's will, we should rely on prayer and Scripture to guide us through uncertain situations, trusting that God will direct our paths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fairness_and_impartiality.htm">The Role of Fairness and Impartiality</a></b><br>The verse highlights the importance of fairness in resolving disputes. As Christians, we are called to act justly and seek peace in our relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_marriage_imply_singles_lack_blessing.htm">Proverbs 18:22: Does finding 'favor from the Lord' by marrying imply that the single or the divorced lack divine blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_22_18_history_or_retrofitted.htm">Psalm 22:18 - Is the description of dividing garments by casting lots a verifiable historical detail, or a narrative retrofitted to match the crucifixion story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_hagar_abraham's_wife_or_concubine.htm">What does Proverbs 16:18 mean about pride?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_proverbs_29_18.htm">Proverbs 29:18 asserts 'where there is no vision, the people perish'; is there historical or archeological evidence challenging or supporting this claim?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">The lot causeth contentions to cease, </span>as being the judgment of God (<a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm" title="The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.">Proverbs 16:33</a>).<p><span class= "bld">And parteth between the mighty, </span>who would otherwise settle their differences by blows.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The lot causeth contentions to cease</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a>). If this verse is taken in connection with the preceding, it refers to the decision in doubtful cases, where the evidence is conflicting and ordinary investigation fails to elicit the truth satisfactorily. The lot, being considered to show the judgment of God, settled the question. <span class="cmt_word">And parteth between the mighty.</span> If it were not for the decision by lot, persons of eminence and power would settle their differences by violent means. This peaceful solution obviates all such contentions. The Septuagint, in place of "lot" (<span class="greek">κλῆρος</span>), reads now <span class="greek">σιγηρός</span>, "silent;" but it is evidently originally a clerical error, perpetuated by copyists. The error is noted by a second hand in the margin of the Sinaitic Manuscript. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-18.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">Casting the lot</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגּוֹרָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gō·w·rāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lot -- a lot (for casting)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ends</span><br /><span class="heb">יַשְׁבִּ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(yaš·bîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7673.htm">Strong's 7673: </a> </span><span class="str2">To repose, desist from exertion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">quarrels</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֭דְיָנִים</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·yā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4079.htm">Strong's 4079: </a> </span><span class="str2">Brawling, contention </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and separates</span><br /><span class="heb">יַפְרִֽיד׃</span> <span class="translit">(yap̄·rîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6504.htm">Strong's 6504: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break through, spread, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strong opponents.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲצוּמִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ṣū·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6099.htm">Strong's 6099: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powerful, numerous</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-18.htm">Proverbs 18:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:18 The lot settles disputes and keeps strong (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:19" /></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>