He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

PROVERBS 18:17KJV
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Proverbs 18:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 18:17 mean?

Proverbs 18:17 teaches that the first person to present their side of a dispute often seems right, but when another person comes and examines their claims, the truth becomes clearer. This proverb warns against making judgments before hearing both sides of a story.

In the book of Proverbs, wise sayings are given to guide everyday life. Here, the writer points out a common situation: someone makes their case sound convincing at first, but a neighbor (the other party) arrives and questions or challenges what was said. The verse highlights the importance of careful listening and fair judgment, especially in disagreements.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 18:17

  • "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This word means the one who speaks or acts first. It matters because it shows the natural advantage the first speaker has in shaping the story.
  • "cause" (רִיב, riv): This word refers to a dispute or legal case. It clarifies that the verse is about arguments or conflicts, not just casual conversation.
  • "just" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means "righteous" or "innocent." The verse points out that the first speaker only seems righteous, not that they truly are.
  • "neighbour" (רֵעַ, re'a): This word means another person involved in the dispute, not just any neighbor. It reminds the reader that the other side of the story is just as important.
  • "searcheth" (חָקַר, chaqar): This word means to examine or investigate. It highlights the idea of careful questioning, not just listening passively.

Why Proverbs 18:17 matters

  • Proverbs 18:17 warns against believing the first account of a conflict without hearing the other side, correcting a common human tendency to trust the first story we hear.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of fairness and thorough examination before making decisions, which is a key theme in the surrounding proverbs about speech and justice.
  • By highlighting the role of the "neighbor" who examines the first claim, the proverb encourages a community approach to truth and justice, not just individual judgment.

Where else these words appear

“searcheth” Hebrew H2713 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
  • Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

“cause” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.