Commentaries on Proverbs 18:17

John Gill - Exposition

John Gill

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...

Matthew Henry - Complete Commentary

Matthew Henry

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. The original here is difficult, and differently understood. 1. Some take it as a rebuke to an affected singularity. When men take a pride in separating themselves from the sentiments and society of others, in contradicting all that has been said before them and advancing new notions of their own, which,...