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.