Proverbs 25:8-10

The admonition in these verses is general: Be not of a contentious spirit; plunge not hastily into quarrels (comp. the use of the same word "strive," Genesis 26:20; Exodus 21:18; Deuteronomy 33:8). But there is a special and perhaps primary reference to going to law(obs. thy cause, Proverbs 25:9, the same Heb. word as in Exodus 23:2-3). The passage will then nearly resemble our Lord's teaching: so far from "going forth hastily to strive," "agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him"; show a placable disposition, and instead of seeking the publicity of the law-court, "debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself." And do this from a consideration of what litigation persisted in may involve: lest thou know not what to do," &c.; "lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge," &c. Matthew 5:25-26.