The first to state his case seems rightThis phrase highlights the initial impression of credibility that often accompanies the first presentation of a case. In ancient Israelite culture, as in many societies, the first speaker in a legal or public dispute could sway opinions simply by being the first to articulate their argument. This reflects the human tendency to accept initial information as truth, a concept also seen in
Genesis 3 when Eve is persuaded by the serpent's first argument. The importance of discernment and wisdom in judgment is emphasized throughout Proverbs, underscoring the need for careful evaluation of all sides of a matter.
until another comes
The arrival of another party introduces the necessity of hearing multiple perspectives. This aligns with the biblical principle of establishing truth through multiple witnesses, as seen inDeuteronomy 19:15, which states that a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This principle is foundational in both Old and New Testament teachings, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination and fairness in judgment.
and cross-examines him
Cross-examination is a critical component of justice, ensuring that claims are tested and verified. This practice was integral to the judicial processes in ancient Israel, where elders and judges would hear cases at the city gates, as described inRuth 4:1-11. The process of cross-examination serves as a metaphor for spiritual discernment, encouraging believers to test all things and hold fast to what is good, as instructed in1 Thessalonians 5:21. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and truth revealed in Jesus Christ, who is described as the faithful and true witness inRevelation 3:14.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and justice are reflected in this proverb.
2.
Ancient Israel- The cultural and judicial context of ancient Israel, where disputes were often settled at the city gates by elders, provides the backdrop for understanding the importance of hearing both sides of a account.
3.
Judicial Proceedings- The process of cross-examination in legal settings, which is implied in this proverb, highlights the importance of thorough investigation and fairness in judgment.
Teaching Points
The Importance of DiscernmentIn a world filled with information, discernment is crucial. We must be cautious not to accept the first account we hear without seeking further understanding and context.
The Value of Cross-ExaminationJust as in legal settings, cross-examination helps reveal the truth. In our personal lives, we should seek to understand different perspectives before making decisions.
Guarding Against BiasOur initial impressions can be misleading. We must guard against biases that may cloud our judgment and strive for objectivity.
The Role of Patience in JudgmentPatience allows us to gather all necessary information before reaching conclusions. This aligns with biblical teachings on being slow to anger and judgment.
Promoting Justice and FairnessAs Christians, we are called to uphold justice and fairness, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in any matter of dispute.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18
What is confirmation bias?
What is confirmation bias?
What does 'Devil's Advocate' mean?
What is the Donation of Constantine?(17)
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just.--A man who tells his own story can make a good case for himself out of it, "but his neighbour" (
i.e.,his adversary in the suit) "cometh and searcheth him," sifts his statements, and shows them to be untenable.
Verse 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 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,
Justus prior est accusator sui. So Septuagint, "The righteous is his own accuser in opening the suit (
ἐν πρωτολογίᾳ)." 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
Job 7:11, "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).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The firstהָרִאשׁ֣וֹן(hā·ri·šō·wn)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223:First, in place, time, rankto state his caseבְּרִיב֑וֹ(bə·rî·ḇōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7379:Strife, disputeseems rightצַדִּ֣יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousuntil another0(0)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gocomes forwardוּבָֽא־(ū·ḇā-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand examines him.וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃(wa·ḥă·qā·rōw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2713:To penetrate, to examine intimately
Links
Proverbs 18:17 NIVProverbs 18:17 NLTProverbs 18:17 ESVProverbs 18:17 NASBProverbs 18:17 KJV
Proverbs 18:17 BibleApps.comProverbs 18:17 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 18:17 Chinese BibleProverbs 18:17 French BibleProverbs 18:17 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems (Prov. Pro Pr) 
