Proverbs 18:17
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He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
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Any man can sound reasonable, when he speaks first and personally presses for his own cause. The absence of contrary facts or counter opinions, and his emotional and fervent appeals, can give credence to most any claim. But all such matters should be tried by witnesses and knowledgeable opponents to prove their validity. Our learned brother Paul would wisely say, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thess 5:21).
Politicians are notorious for doctored facts, extravagant claims, and moving sound bites; but their promises of prosperity should be exposed to public debate and the harsh reality of facts. Trial lawyers make a great living from exposing the lies of the guilty and false testimony through contrary witnesses, expert opinions, and validation of evidence. A rich man's conceit causes him to overstate matters that the wise poor can often detect (28:11).
Are you sure you are right in a dispute? Do you have an idea you want to pursue? Are you sure a proposition is valid? Are you confused by a testimony that doesn't match your experience? Have you heard arguments you knew were wrong but sounded right? Here is a rule to remember - every cause should be scrutinized hard for validity and truthfulness.
Solomon wrote this proverb to teach his son wise discretion when judging accusations, declarations, and propositions. This is wisdom - the power of right judgment! Truth can withstand intense examination, but most causes are not truth at all. Challenging unsubstantiated claims will often expose them as false and frivolous. "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going" (Pr 14:15).
Wise men prove all things. They are not impressed with one side of any argument. Several current expressions imply this proverb, as conflict of interests, unemotionally involved, third party involvement, arm's length transaction, cross-examination, devil's advocate, and so forth. Our legal system is designed to make sure both sides of an argument are heard, and that both sides can cross-examine the other side's witnesses.
Wise men prove all things. The Jews and Romans allowed the accused to defend himself before judgment was passed (John 7:51; Acts 25:16). The Law of Moses required diligent inquisition in all matters of hearsay (Deut 13:12-18; 17:2-7), and it would not accept the testimony of one man in any matter (Deut 19:15). One of the great prerogatives of kings, or any person in authority, is to make such inquisitions (25:2). Agrippa, Felix, and Festus wisely allowed Paul to defend himself against Tertullus and the Jews (Acts 24-26).
Wise men prove all things. Paul commended the noble Bereans for checking his preaching by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Jesus said to judge righteous judgment, not by mere appearance (John 7:24). Since every way of a man is right in his own eyes, a multitude of counselors can save a man from the deceit of being first in his own cause (12:15; 15:22). Rather than hide from examination, wise men will expose their ideas to the challenges and questions of other knowledgeable men.
It takes only a little knowledge to believe something, more knowledge to teach it, and a great deal of knowledge to defend it. Therefore, subjecting a controversy or opinion to careful scrutiny is the wise way to protect yourself from the danger of your own heart (Jer 17:9). Prudent counselors will quickly determine the validity of your bright idea! If you rush ahead with your bright idea, your neighbor may put you to shame (25:8)!
Counselors learn to use only one ear when a spouse complains about their marriage, for they know that every marriage has two spouses with two perspectives and two sets of facts. Every man was given two ears to listen to both sides of every such situation! Haste in answering controversial matters after hearing only one side is utter folly (18:13).
Hearers must prove all things by the word of God (Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:21). Any attempt by a religious organization to keep their doctrine from scrutiny is highly dangerous. Rome did it for 1500 years by keeping the Scriptures from the laity and performing their services in Latin. Protestantism does it by denying any English version to be Scripture and preaching by Hebrew and Greek from imaginary "originals." Every religious claim must be tried by the Word of God (Ps 119:128; Is 8:20; II Tim 3:16-17).
Here is wisdom! Do not be moved by the claims of anyone for anything until it is proven through a wise process of contrary witnesses, diligent inquisition, and cross-examination. Do not proceed yourself in any controversy or new opinion without exposing it to the challenges and questions of wise counselors or opponents. Let truth reign!
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