DEBATE

de-bat': This word is used only once in the Revised Version (British and American) (Proverbs 25:9). It evidently refers to the settling of a difficulty with a neighbor, and anticipates Matthew 18:15. It argues for and shows the advantage of private, peaceable settlement of difficulties. Compare Ecclesiasticus 28:9, and see MAKEBATES .

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.