A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion. …Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful. —Proverbs 18:2, 13 (GW)
God calls those “fools” who speak without thought, without considering the impact of their words, without listening. Fools are only interested in spouting opinions without searching out truth.
How many times do I speak first, sharing ignorance rather than truth, hurting instead of healing and proving I can be a fool?
Help me, Jesus, seek wisdom, realizing speaking without thought and consideration is arrogant and often hurtful. Help me monitor my words. Amen.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. —Proverbs 18:7-8 (KJV)
By Carolyn R Scheidies
From First I Bow