How many of us have just “read over” these passages  without digesting the  meaning?

(I have)

Proverbs 18:17 (KJV)
¹⁷ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

Proverbs 18:17 (ASV)
¹⁷ He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.

Proverbs 18:17 (NLT2)
¹⁷ The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:17 (YLT)
¹⁷ Righteous is the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.

Proverbs 18:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

      James Rowe is currently a member of the Hikes Point Christian Church in Louisville and serves on the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Christian Education Corp.