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 when a man makes a little hole in the bank of a river, or cuts a small passage in it, to let the water into an adjoining field; by the force of the water, the passage is widened, and it flows in, in great abundance, to the overflow and prejudice of the field; nor is it easily stopped: so a single word, spoken in anger, with some warmth, or in a way of contradiction, has been the beginning and occasion of great strife and contention.

   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.

   ›Commentary on Proverbs 20:31 voice

   “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife,....

   Everything gathered on Proverbs 20:3→

   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.

   “What your eyes have seen, do not quickly bring forth in a quarrel, etc. And in the Gospel, the Lord: If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him between you and him alone, etc. (Matt. XVIII)

   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,....

   Everything gathered on Matthew 5:25→

   Verse page →Original language →