Proverbs 18:18

18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

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 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.