Proverbs 18:18

18 The lot will put an end to disputes, and between powerful contenders it will decide.

Proverbs 18:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:18

The lot causeth contentions to cease
When a case cannot be determined among parties at variance in a private way, nor in a court of judicature, the lot is cast, and that puts an end to all strife, and makes each party easy; they submit to it, and acquiesce in it; and parteth between the mighty;
the kings and princes of the earth; men of great power and authority, and of great riches and affluence; and so in a capacity of contending with each other, and of prolonging the contention, which may be attended with bad consequences; and who are not easily dissuaded from it: or it may intend such who most vehemently disagree; persons of great spirits, who are obstinate and stubborn, and will by no means yield, and there is no parting them by arguments or legal decisions; these the lot parts, and causes them to cease from their quarrels and contentions, and to rest satisfied with the distributions the lot makes to them; as the children of Israel were with their portion of the land of Canaan, assigned them by lot.

Proverbs 18:18 In-Context

16 The gift of a person will open doors for him, and before the great, it gives him access.
17 The first in his dispute is [deemed] righteous, [but] his neighbor will come and examine him.
18 The lot will put an end to disputes, and between powerful contenders it will decide.
19 A brother who is offended [is worse] than a city of strength, and quarrels [are] like the bars of a fortification.
20 From the fruit of a man's mouth, his stomach will be satisfied, as for the yield of his lips, it will satisfy.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.