Proverbs 18:17

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

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Berean Standard Bible
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
American Standard Version (1901)
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
Bible in Basic English
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
Douay-Rheims 1899
The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.
Free Bible Version
The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
Geneva Bible 1599
He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
King James (Authorized) Version
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
One Unity Resource Bible
He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.
Translation for Translators
The first person to present his case in court seems right, but when ◄someone else/his opponent► begins to ask him questions, it may become clear that what he said was not true.
Unlocked Literal Bible
The first to plead his case seems right until his opponent comes and questions him.
Noah Webster Bible
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
World English Bible
He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
Young's Literal Translation
Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.