Adjudication at Law

How Nave’s arranged it

• TO BE AVOIDEDProverbs 17:14Proverbs 20:3Proverbs 25:8–10Matthew 5:25
• See Actions at Law
• See Arbitration
• See Compromise
• See Courts
• See Justice

The passages, in Bible order (4)

The same references, sorted Genesis to Revelation. The first 4 are quoted in full; the rest are one click beneath them, book by book.

1. Proverbs 17:14

   To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

   ›Commentary on Proverbs 17:142 voices

   Moreover, since the indolent mind for the most part lapses by degrees into downfall, while we neglect to guard against idle words we go on to hurtful ones; so that at first it pleases us to talk of other men's affairs; afterwards the tongue gnaws with detraction the lives of those of whom we talk; but at last breaks out even into open slanders. Hence are sown pricking thorns, quarrels arise, the torches of enmities are kindled, the peace of hearts is extinguished. Whence it is well said through Solomon, "He that letteth out water is a well-spring of strifes."

   “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water - As soon as the smallest breach is made in the dike or dam, the water begins to press from all parts towards the breach; the resistance becomes too great to be successfully opposed, so that dikes and all are speedily swept away. Such is the beginning of contentions, quarrels, lawsuits, etc. Leave off contention, before it be meddled with - As you see what an altercation must lead to, therefore do not begin it.

   Everything gathered on Proverbs 17:14→

   Verse page →Original language →

2. Proverbs 20:3

   It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.

   Verse page →Original language →

3. Proverbs 25:8–10

   do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

   ›Commentary on Proverbs 25:8–102 voices

   “(Compare Pr 3:30). lest . . . shame--lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou art shut out from doing any thing." 9, 10. (Compare Mt 5:25, Margin). secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.

   “Go not forth hastily to strive - לרב lerib, to enter into a lawsuit. Keep from this pit or the bottomless deep, unless urged by the direst necessity.

   Everything gathered on Proverbs 25:8–10→

   Verse page →Original language →

4. Matthew 5:25

   Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

   ›Commentary on Matthew 5:252 voices

   “The word here in our Latin books is 'consentiens,' in Greek, εὐνοῶν, which means, 'kind,' 'benevolent.' Some, from that verse of Peter, Your adversary the Devil, &c. (1 Pet. 5:8.) will have the Saviour's command to be, that we should be merciful to the Devil, not causing him to endure punishment for our sakes. For as he puts in our way the incentives to vice, if we yield to his suggestions, he will be tormented for our sakes.

   “Agree with thine adversary quickly - This is still an illustration of the sixth commandment. To be in hostility, to go to law, to be litigious, is a violation always, on one side or the other, of the law requiring us to love our neighbor, and our Saviour regards it as a violation of the sixth commandment. While you are in the way with him, says he, that is, while you are going to the court, before the trial has taken place, it is your duty, if possible, to come to an agreement.

   Everything gathered on Matthew 5:25→

   Verse page →Original language →