Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 18:17 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. "
Proverbs 18:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17 He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
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This shows that one story can seem true until another is heard. The first person who speaks will usually tell the story in a way that helps his own case. He will leave out what hurts him and say things in the best light possible, so his cause looks good, whether it really is or not.
That is why the other side must also be heard. The defendant should have a chance to answer, confront the witnesses, and question them. Then the falsehood or weakness in the first account may be exposed, and the matter may look very different. So we should remember that we have two ears, and hear both sides before we judge.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 18:1
"A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment."
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion."
Proverbs 18:3
"When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace."
Proverbs 18:4
"The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook."
Proverbs 18:5
"To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice."
Proverbs 18:6
"A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings."
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