Proverbs 18:18 kjv

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Proverbs 18:18 nkjv

Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.

Proverbs 18:18 niv

Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Proverbs 18:18 esv

The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

Proverbs 18:18 nlt

Flipping a coin can end arguments;
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 18 Meaning

Proverbs 18:18 declares that the casting of lots serves as a definitive method to end serious disputes and resolve conflicts, particularly when these occur between powerful individuals or groups whose quarrels are otherwise resistant to conventional arbitration. The verse implies that the outcome of such a lot is accepted as a final, unbiased decision, understood within its original context as orchestrated by divine will, thereby preventing further contention and restoring peace.

Proverbs 18 18 Context

Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, focusing on practical living and ethical conduct within God's covenant. Chapter 18 specifically addresses themes such as isolation, speech, and the destructive nature of various conflicts, offering insights on discernment and the resolution of quarrels. In ancient Israel, the casting of lots (goral) was not seen as a game of chance or superstition but as a sacred, recognized method for discerning God's will in matters of dispute, decision-making, and distribution of resources. When disputes arose, especially among the influential or "mighty," whose strong wills or positions made conventional human arbitration difficult, the lot served as a decisive, unbiased, and universally accepted verdict. This practice was vital in a society where maintaining peace and order often relied on definitive resolutions that transcended human biases and authority, preventing conflicts from escalating into prolonged community discord.

Proverbs 18 18 Word analysis

• The lot (גּוֹרָל - goral): This refers to an object (e.g., marked stone, pebble, or scroll fragment) cast or drawn to determine an outcome. In ancient Israel, this was a solemn and respected practice for making critical decisions, identifying culprits, distributing inheritances, or assigning duties. It was implicitly believed that God Himself guided the outcome (Prov 16:33), thereby removing human bias and rendering the decision divinely sanctioned and therefore undeniable. It was distinct from modern gambling.
• causeth...to cease (יַשְׁבִּית - yashbit): Derived from the root "שָׁבַת" (shavat), meaning to stop, cease, or rest. It signifies a decisive and definitive end. The lot's outcome is meant to impose a cessation of contention, bringing a conclusive stop to ongoing arguments.
• contentions (מְדָנִים - medanim): From "מדון" (madon), meaning strife, quarrels, or disputes. These are typically persistent and disruptive conflicts that divide people and hinder peace. The word implies the often heated and stubborn nature of the disagreements that the lot resolves.
• and parteth (וּבֵין ... יַפְרִיד - u-veyn ... yafrid): Literally, "and between... it separates" or "it makes a distinction." The verb "יַפְרִיד" (yafrid) from "פָרַד" (parad), means to divide, separate, or distinguish. It highlights the lot's function as an authoritative arbitrator that clearly defines or assigns outcomes, thus settling the dispute definitively.
• between the mighty (בֵּין עֲצוּמִים - bein atsumim): "Atsumim" (עֲצוּמִים) refers to the strong, powerful, or great ones; individuals or groups with significant influence, resources, or authority. Disputes among such parties are often the most difficult to resolve through human negotiation, as they possess the means to prolong conflict or resist mediation. The proverb points out the particular efficacy of the lot in such high-stakes scenarios.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The lot causeth contentions to cease": This phrase emphasizes the lot as a peace-making instrument. By submitting an intractable dispute to a seemingly impartial, divinely ordained method, human pride and stubbornness are bypassed. The decision becomes non-negotiable because it is seen as coming from a higher power, thus effectively silencing argument and bringing the contention to a definitive halt. It serves as an accepted, final court of appeal.
• "and parteth between the mighty": This highlights the context where the lot's power is most crucially applied. Disputes between powerful individuals or entities (tribal leaders, wealthy families, political factions) often lead to prolonged conflict or violence because no human arbiter has enough authority to enforce a ruling. The lot provides an unchallengeable verdict that divides or separates between these strong opposing forces, offering an agreed-upon boundary or resolution that ordinary human judgment cannot.

Proverbs 18 18 Bonus section

• The historical shift from using lots for discernment (as seen in the Old Testament and early Acts) to relying primarily on the Holy Spirit's direct guidance (post-Pentecost, as demonstrated in apostolic decisions and letters) marks a significant development in how believers understand God's revelation and will.
• This proverb implicitly critiques human partiality and the limits of purely human wisdom or authority when confronted with powerful, stubborn wills in conflict. It suggests that a definitive, supra-human mechanism is sometimes required to achieve peace.
• The enduring wisdom of the proverb applies to any situation where human mediation alone proves insufficient to resolve disputes among strong entities. It emphasizes the need for an accepted, final authority—whether through judicial processes, international arbitration, or an acknowledged, objective framework—to prevent escalation and promote harmony.

Proverbs 18 18 Commentary

Proverbs 18:18 elucidates an essential wisdom for communal peace: when human intervention fails to resolve deeply entrenched conflicts, especially between influential parties, a final and undisputed arbiter is needed. In ancient Israelite thought, this role was fulfilled by the casting of lots, seen not as randomness but as a direct revelation of God’s sovereign will. The lot's definitive pronouncement offered an unquestionable verdict, providing a socially acceptable means to end bitter contentions that might otherwise escalate or fester indefinitely. While the casting of lots is no longer a normative Christian practice for divine guidance (replaced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, Scripture, and prayer), the core principle remains timeless: the necessity for authoritative, impartial, and accepted resolution to secure peace and prevent perpetual strife among strong, conflicting factions. It underscores the danger of unresolved disputes and the divine desire for reconciliation and order.