Getting the Facts
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Proverbs 18:13 KJVS.
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This proverb tells us how important it is to listen to the facts before giving advice—and how easy it is to give advice before listening. We are not alone in this dilemma. The Bible gives examples of times when people attempted to take action before they had all the facts. Paul was nearly flogged because the magistrates didn’t know that he was a Roman citizen (see Acts 22). The jailer in Acts 16 almost took his own life because he didn’t know that no prisoners had escaped during the earthquake that freed Paul and Silas. On the other hand, Jesus continually gave facts to his disciples so that they would be able to give accurate advice. You and I can do a great deal of harm when we jump to conclusions and give advice before we listen to the facts. Advisors must have adequate information if the advice they give is to be useful. Be sure you listen to the facts and to the one speaking before you offer advice. Not doing so, as this verse says, is shame and folly.
Prayer:
LORD, let the advice I give be based on facts, not on feelings or false representation. Keep me from jumping to conclusions and becoming involved in folly. Let my words be consistent with your Word. Help me to be an advisor who listens to the facts and gives godly counsel.
Quotes:
NATURE HAS GIVEN MEN ONE TONGUE BUT TWO EARS, THAT WE MAY HEAR FROM OTHERS TWICE AS MUCH AS WE SPEAK.
Epictetus (ca. 50–120)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: 2 Kings 23:31–25:30; Acts 22:17–23:10; Psalm 2:1-12 and Proverbs 18:13.
