Proverbs 18:17

World English Bible (WEB)

He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.

In context

15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

17 He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.

18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

WEB World English Bible: He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
KJV King James Version: He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
BSB Berean Standard Bible: The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
ASV American Standard Version: He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
YLT Young's Literal Translation: Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
DBY Darby Translation: He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
WBS Webster Bible: He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.