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Proverbs 18:17-21

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17-21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Evils of the tongue and of contention

I. THE FOLLY OF HASTE IN DEBATE. (.) "One tale is good till another be told." This saw holds good of private life, of lawsuits, of controversies in philosophy and theology. Audi alteram, partem," Listen to both sides." This is the duty of the judge, or of him who for the time being plays the judicial part. If we are parties in a debate or a suit, then nothing will hold good except to have the "conscience void of offence."

II. THE ADVANTAGE OF ARBITRATION. (.) The lot was the ancient mode of arbitration and settlement of disputes in a peaceful manner. Something corresponding to it in modern times may be adopted as a wise resource where other means of reconciliation have failed. Still better, the general lesson may be drawn?봠ommit the decision to the wisdom of God.

III. THE MISERY OF DISSENSION. (.) The alienated brother or friend is compared to an impregnable fortress. "Oh how hard to reconcile the foes that once were friends!" The sweeter the wine, the sharper the vinegar; and the greater the natural love, the more violent the hate where that love has been injured.

IV. THE SATISFACTION OF WISE COUNSELS. (; comp. ; .) The mode of expression is strange to a modern ear, but the thought is familiar and welcome. Words here stand for thoughts; the fruit of the lips comes from the root of the heart. When an intensely modern writer says, "Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of your principles," he puts the old truth in a new light.

V. LIFE AND DEATH IN THE TONGUE. (.) Here is another great principle, vast in its sweep. "Life and death are in the power of witnesses according to the testimony they bear, of judges according to the sentence they pass, of teachers according to the doctrine they preach, of all men who by their well or evil speaking bring death or life to themselves or to others" (Gill). Perhaps it is true that the tongue has slain its ten thousands where the sword has slain only its thousands. The employment of the tongue, whether for good or for evil, in blessing or in cursing (; 1혻Corinthians 12:3), brings its own fruit and reward to the speaker. "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."?봋.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:1-24Proverbs 18:1-24 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONMatthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:17 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIt is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:17 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis shows that one tale is good till another is told. 1. He that speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate that only which makes for him, and put the best colour he can upon it, so that his cause s…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryHear the other side There is no truer, as there is no homelier maxim, than that we should "hear the other side," or?봶hat is virtually the same thing??there are two sides to everything." This is the idea in the text; the…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryHe that is first in his own cause seemeth just; Revised Version, he that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just. A man who tells his own story, and is the first to open his case before the judge or a third party, seems t…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryPrivate judgment The Protestant claim to the right of private judgment is not without its limitations. Applied to general truths it is unanswerable; but carried out in personal affairs it is often very dangerous. Every…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:1-24EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.Matthew HenrycommentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17This shows that one tale is good till another is told. 1. He that speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate that only which makes for him, and put the best colour he can upon it, so that his cause s…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; Revised Version, he that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just. A man who tells his own story, and is the first to open his case before the judge or a third party, seems t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17Hear the other side There is no truer, as there is no homelier maxim, than that we should "hear the other side," or?봶hat is virtually the same thing??there are two sides to everything." This is the idea in the text; the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 18:17Private judgment The Protestant claim to the right of private judgment is not without its limitations. Applied to general truths it is unanswerable; but carried out in personal affairs it is often very dangerous. Every…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 18:18It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now.Matthew HenrycommentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 18:18Note, 1. Contentions commonly happen among the mighty, that are jealous for their honour and right and stand upon the punctilios of both, that are confident of their being able to make their part good and therefore will…Matthew Henry