He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
The one who is first to present his own case appears to be right, so the first report must not be accepted as correct until every side of the matter has been heard, searched out, and examined before deciding. A first account heard by itself can seem just, yet another side remains to be heard and weighed. A judgment resting only on what has come under one person's observation can be wrong, and can cast influence on the wrong side.
In the critical work of dealing with minds there is need for clear discernment and strong powers of discrimination, joined with compassion and consideration toward others as toward oneself. There is need for true independence of mind that is cautious, prayerful and deliberate, calm and unchangeable amid prevailing errors rather than rash or severe. Such independence does not yield an opinion until strong evidence proves it wrong, and is not swayed by the influence of others or by surroundings to form conclusions without intelligent, thorough knowledge of all the circumstances.
The one who is first to present his own case appears to be right, so the first report must not be accepted as correct until every side of the matter has been heard, searched out, and examined before deciding. A first account heard by itself can seem just, yet another side remains to be heard and weighed. A judgment resting only on what has come under one person's observation can be wrong, and can cast influence on the wrong side.
In the critical work of dealing with minds there is need for clear discernment and strong powers of discrimination, joined with compassion and consideration toward others as toward oneself. There is need for true independence of mind that is cautious, prayerful and deliberate, calm and unchangeable amid prevailing errors rather than rash or severe. Such independence does not yield an opinion until strong evidence proves it wrong, and is not swayed by the influence of others or by surroundings to form conclusions without intelligent, thorough knowledge of all the circumstances.