April 18

Apr 18 - Today from Proverbs 18 we look at verse 13 and 17
"He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame. The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him."

"Is that your final answer?" Even though we are not sitting in front of a popular TV personality trying to win a small fortune, we are in the presence of family members and friends each day who are silently asking that question of us. As we have pointed out numerous times in our study in Proverbs, this book was not written as a study in doctrine and theology. It was written for the purpose of growing in wisdom, which in turn strengthens integrity of character.
Proverbs often causes me to stop and contemplate a common word that we seldom think about. In this case, the word is answer. Our answers to things reveal a lot about our integrity. The dictionary has several definitions for the word answer. The first is the one we generally sense to be the definition: "A spoken or written reply to a question." But let's take a look at some other definitions:
"A solution to a problem."
"An act in response."
"To be liable or accountable."
The truth is, when people look to us for answers, there is a lot of our integrity on the line. When we give answers based on limited information, or on purely subjective thought processes, we are in serious danger of giving others wrong information. These two verses admonish us to be careful before answering to others.
The first thing we can understand from these thoughts is to carefully listen to the questioner. What is really being asked here? Listening is a developed skill. We need to try to see things from the seeker’s perspective in order to give a response that could help them from where they are. Jesus was an excellent listener, and He had perfect discernment. When we see Him in dialogue with individuals and they ask a question, we are initially puzzled by His 'answer'. But like an accomplished chess player, He is always several moves ahead of the person with whom He is speaking. By being a good listener, He answers the real question behind their inquiry. We need to learn to follow His example and take the time needed to read the situation.
The second thing we understand from these thoughts is that when we are asking the questions, we must be just as cautious. We may get answers that are incorrect or incomplete because the person responding has a limited perception. They may be sincere in their reply, but they may also be sincerely wrong. It is a good idea to get information from as many sources as possible before making any critical decisions about a matter which affects you, or those for whom you are responsible. When it comes to the reputation or life of another, God says there must be two or three reliable witnesses before a charge can even be considered. The more serious the matter or decision, the more detailed the investigation into the matter should be. And for what it's worth; don't just look for witnesses who will fortify your suspected position. That's what the civil leaders at Jesus' trial did. Look for people of integrity who may support an opposing view. It may not be opposing at all. It may be a view that complements and adds to the reality of a bigger picture. Wisdom searches for truth in order to benefit all that it serves.
Finally, we should attempt to be honest in our answers. If we are unsure, or do not have an objective source of truth on which we can base our answer, we should be sensitive enough to say so. It isn't a crime to say, "I am not absolutely sure, but my best opinion in the matter is. . ." or, "I can only tell you what I saw and/or heard. There may be more to it than this and it would be a good idea for you to speak to others involved or connected to the situation." In this manner, your integrity remains intact. You have given an answer that may be helpful to the inquirer in arriving at a proper solution, but you have also encouraged them to seek further information.