Sprueche 18:17

17 Ein jeglicher ist zuerst in seiner Sache gerecht; kommt aber sein Nächster hinzu, so findet sich's.

Sprueche 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just
As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears true in telling a tale, in private conversation, in lawsuits before a judge and a court of judicature, and in theological controversies; but his neighbour cometh, and searcheth him;
his neighbour comes into the house, where he is telling his tale, and reports it in another manner, and shows the falsehood of his relation; or he comes into a court of judicature, and sets the cause in quite another light; or he comes out into the worm by public writing, and exposes the errors of a man engaged in a wrong cause, and refutes his arguments. It is generally understood of judicial affairs, that the first that opens a cause is very apt to prejudice the judge and court in his favour, and they are ready to thing at first hearing that he is in the right; but it is not proper to be hasty in forming a judgment till the other side is heard; for his antagonist comes and traverses the point, unravels the whole affair, shows the weakness of his cause, the vanity of his pretences, and makes void all his allegations; and then "he", the judge, so some interpret it, "searcheth"; inquires more narrowly into the case, in order to find out truth, and pass a right judgment and sentence.

Sprueche 18:17 In-Context

15 Ein verständiges Herz weiß sich vernünftig zu halten; und die Weisen hören gern, wie man vernünftig handelt.

16 Das Geschenk des Menschen macht ihm Raum und bringt ihn vor die großen Herren.

17 Ein jeglicher ist zuerst in seiner Sache gerecht; kommt aber sein Nächster hinzu, so findet sich's.

18 Das Los stillt den Hader und scheidet zwischen den Mächtigen.

19 Ein verletzter Bruder hält härter den eine feste Stadt, und Zank hält härter denn Riegel am Palast.