Folly and Shame – Part 2

Proverbs 18:13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him. 

Here are four scriptural examples where people judged or acted rashly before fully hearing or knowing the facts: David hastily gave Ziba all of Mephibosheth’s land based on his one-sided report. Later, David realised he had misjudged Mephibosheth, who had remained loyal, resulting in a sense of injustice and regret (2Sam. 16:4; 19:24-30). Ahasuerus gave Haman authority to destroy the Jews without fully investigating the matter. This hasty decree nearly led to the destruction of an innocent people (Est. 3:10). King Darius signed a decree (manipulated by jealous officials) that led to Daniel being cast into the lions’ den. After realising the trap, Darius regretted acting too quickly (Dan. 6:9). The Magistrates at Philippi had Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned without trial. When the magistrates later discovered they were Roman citizens, they were filled with fear and shame and tried to quietly dismiss them (Acts 16:37-39).

Listening precedes wisdom. Proverbs repeatedly teaches that wisdom begins with hearing, not speaking (cf. Pro. 18:2; Jas. 1:19). Justice requires both sides to be heard (cf. Pro. 18:17). Hasty answers misrepresent truth, damage relationships, and discredit one’s reputation.

In conversations: Pause and let others speak fully before forming a response. Ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions. In conflict: Avoid jumping to conclusions or reacting emotionally without hearing all perspectives. In leadership or parenting: Don’t discipline or decide before gathering full context. Justice depends on careful listening. In social media or news: Don’t react based on headlines or snippets. Seek full context before forming or expressing an opinion.

Wise people are listeners before they are speakers; fools are talkers before they are thinkers. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Jas. 1:19).