The lot {l} causeth contentions to cease, and {m} parteth between the mighty.

(l) If a controversy cannot otherwise be decided, it is best to cast lots to know whose the thing will be.

(m) Appeases their controversy, who are so stout that they cannot otherwise be pacified.

Wesley's Notes

18:18 Parteth - Gives to every one what is right or meet.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18. The lot-whose disposal is of God (Pr 16:13), may, properly used, be a right mode of settling disputes.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

18:17. It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves. 18. It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now.

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Verse 18

Note, 1. Contentions commonly happen among the mighty, that are jealous for their honour and right and stand upon the punctilios of both, that are confident of their being able to make their part good and therefore will hardly condescend to the necessary terms of an accommodation; whereas those that are poor are forced to be peaceable, and sit down losers. 2. Even the contentions of the mighty may be ended by lot if they cannot otherwise be compromised, and sometimes better so than by arguments which are endless, or concessions which they are loth to stoop to, whereas it is no disparagement to a man to acquiesce in the determination of the lot when once it is referred to that. To prevent quarrels Canaan was divided by lot; and, if lusory lots had not profaned this way of appeal to Providence, perhaps it might be very well used now for the deciding of many controversies, both to the honour of God and the satisfaction of the parties, provided it were done with prayer and due solemnity, this and some other scriptures seeming to direct to it, especially Acts 1:26. If the law be a lottery (as some have called it), it were as well that a lottery were the law.