That Is Folly and Shame
Proverbs 18 // A Devotional
“To answer before listening — that is folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13 NIV)
Wrapped up in this single sentence from the book of Proverbs is a poignant truth that we all know but also struggle with.
How many arguments or conflicts have you gone into with a script, meaning that you knew exactly what you were going to say regardless of the response? Your heart was hard from the start.
In between speaking, you “listened,” but you weren’t listening. You were preparing to launch another attack.
I’m guilty of this, and I’m sure you are too. Proverbs says behavior like that is folly and shame.
And even worse, look what it says next.
“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14 NIV)
If we’re not careful with our words, we will crush the spirit of others.
Don’t underestimate the power of your words. Don’t underestimate the power of listening.
Jesus was a remarkable man in more ways than one, but one of the greatest examples He gave us was how to handle anger. It’s okay to be angry, but even in anger, Jesus was gracious and compassionate. Can you say the same?
In your anger, do you still have grace and compassion?
Without grace, your words will cut people down.
With grace, anger can be a powerful motivator for positive change.
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