Proverbs 18:18

18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

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 man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.