Proverbs 18:18

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Proverbs

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:18

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

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Proverbs 18:18 in Other Translations

KJV

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

ESV

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

NLT

18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

MSG

18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.

CSB

18 [Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible