PROVERBS 18
13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.
– Proverbs 18:13-18
PROVERBS 18 WHEN YOU ARE QUICK TO SPEAK
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When one is quick to speak and slow to hear
He will not see the whole picture but parts of it
This will make him have a limited perspective
He will surely presume and make unwise statements
It is wise for us to be quick to hear and slow to speak
But those quick to speak are fools bound to make mistakes.
How do you know if a person is wise or is a fool? The wise are quick to hear but fools are quick to speak. That is a sure way to detect wisdom in people. Listening is a novelty in our society where everyone wants to talk. People are not even aware why they say something, they just want to be heard or given attention. No one wants to be quiet and listen so they can learn.
In Luke 10:38-42, we watch Martha talk, and work and complain to Jesus about her sister Mary, who just sat at Jesus’ feet listening to what her master was saying. Jesus valued the choice of Mary wanting to be in his presence and hungry for his word.
REFLECTION
- How can we avoid speaking fast and make a habit of being quick to listen?
