Proverbs 18:17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Ver. 17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just.] The first tale is good till the second be heard. How fair a tale told Tertullus for the Jews against Paul, till the apostle came after him, and unstarched the orator's trim speech? Judges had need to get and keep that ους αδιαβληκτον that Alexander boasted of, to keep one ear clear and unprejudiced, for the defendant; for they shall meet with such active actors or pleaders, as can make Quid libet ex quo libet, candida de nigris et de candentibus atra, as can draw a fair glove upon a foul hand, blanch and smooth over the worst causes with goodly pretences, as Ziba did against Mephibosheth, Potiphar's wife against Joseph, &c. He must therefore αμφοιν ακροασθαι, as the Athenian judges were sworn to do, "hear both sides indifferently": and as that Levite said, Jdg 19:28-30 Consider, consult, and then give sentence, doing nothing by partiality or prejudice.