Proverbs 18:13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.
This refers to someone who jumps to conclusions, interrupts, or gives an opinion or judgment without first listening fully to the facts or both sides of an issue. The Hebrew word for “heareth” (shamaʿ) implies attentive, discerning listening, not just physically hearing, but understanding.
To “answer” before hearing suggests rashness, presumption, and impulsiveness, traits that are both intellectually careless and relationally damaging.
This proverb highlights a violation of justice, wisdom, and humility: you cannot rightly respond to what you don’t fully understand. “It is folly and shame unto him”
Folly (ivveleth in Hebrew) here denotes not just silliness, but moral and practical stupidity, a failure in wisdom. Shame (kelimmah) implies disgrace, public humiliation, or embarrassment resulting from such foolish behaviour.
The person who rushes to speak reveals his ignorance and earns dishonour; not only is he wrong, but he is also humiliated.
To be continued…
Living the Word 