Proverbs 18:17
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.
American King James Version (AKJV)
He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
He that pleadeth his cause first'seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
Webster's Revision
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
World English Bible
He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.
English Revised Version (ERV)
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
Clarke's Proverbs 18:17 Bible Commentary
He that is first in his own cause - Any man may, in the first instance, make out a fair tale, because he has the choice of circumstances and arguments. But when the neighbor cometh and searcheth him, he examines all, dissects all, swears and cross-questions every witness, and brings out truth and fact.
Barnes's Proverbs 18:17 Bible Commentary
A protest against another fault in judging. Haste is hardly less evil than corruption. "Audi alteram partern "should be the rule of every judge.
His neighbor - The other party to the suit "searcheth," i. e., scrutinizes and detects him.