Title

Avoiding Folly and Shame

Scripture
He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
(Proverbs 18:13)
Devotional
Have you ever noticed that those who know the least know it the loudest? Ignorance has a way of exposing itself. We mistakenly think that we have to have an answer for every situation and question. We also are slow to listen. Here’s a familiar situation: You and your spouse are having a heated conversation. Your wife is giving her explanation. Instead of truly listening, you are thinking of your retort. This is a prime example of answering before we hear. It is folly and shameful. I have found that wise people answer slowly. They ponder their response instead of blurting it. Impulsive responses are very costly. A curt word, a foolish vow or an impetuous promise, again, will show folly and bring shame. Learn to honestly listen. Don’t give a quick, sharp retort. Don’t answer if you do not know. Learn to listen prayerfully. Learn to answer respectfully and you will avoid folly and shame.
Text For The Day
Proverbs 18:13: He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and a shame to him.
 
Thought For The Day
“Speak when you’re angry—and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” Laurence J. Peter, Leadership Magazine
 
Questions To Ponder
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Answering before hearing” is the running of the mouth before engaging the brain. It is words ruled by emotions and those emotions are of the flesh. They will always bring folly and shame.
 
Referencing: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God,” James 1:19-20.
 
Applying: Learn to listen, truly listen. When angered by what you have heard, wait; take time, a lot of time, before you answer. Remember this prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer,” Psalm 19:14.