First in Their Own Cause Seeming Just - Proverbs 18:17

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “a man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men”, and in chapter eighteen and verse seventeen of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is first in his own cause seems just” where we read,

He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.

The verse begins, “He that is first in his own cause seems just;” Solomon began with the words, “he that is first” or “the person whether male or female who exists as primary, chief and foremost” “in his own cause” which means “within the person's own personal strife, controversy, dispute and quarreling” “seems just” or “appears to be righteous, lawful and correct”. Solomon shared how the person who prioritizes their own person controversy appears to be lawful and correct.

The verse continues, “but his neighbor comes and searches him.” Solomon added the words, “but his neighbor or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person who is first in their own cause's intimate companion, friend and fellow citizen” “comes and searches him” which means “enters, is enumerated and examines, investigates and finds out the person who is first in his own cause”. Solomon said the person who exists as foremost in their own controversy will have their intimate companion enter and examine them.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how a person who makes their own case a priority appears to be justified, however, when they are cross examined by their fellow citizen or companion, their position may not be as certain as they thought it to be. God knows the truth, and Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (See John 14:6). God wants us to have a truthful relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we have faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to have confidence in His “cause” rather than our own.

Next time Solomon says, “the lot causes contentions to cease”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".