Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 18:17

"He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out." — Proverbs 18:17 (ASV)

A protest against another fault in judging. Haste is hardly less evil than corruption. "Audi alteram partem" should be the rule of every judge.

His neighbor - The other party to the suit "searcheth," i.e., scrutinizes and detects him.