Proverbs 13:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

For Meditation

The story is told of a man who sat through a morning devotion with his children on this verse of scripture: “I said in my haste, all men are liars” (Ps. 116:11). I find intriguing, his remark on the scripture. “David might have said this in his haste; but if he had taken time to think about it deeply, he couldn’t have come nearer the truth. He wouldn’t have had any reason to change his mind” How true the irony, that the truth spoken in haste could be disconcerting. I think wisdom speaks to this so eloquently and highlights Proverbs 13:16: “Wise people think before the act; fools don’t – and even brag about their foolishness.”

1. So, are you a wise person? Can you always observe well before you comment on an issue?
2. Are you prudent? Can you carefully consider the issues before opening your mouth?
3. Are you astute? Can you wait and get the facts together before expressing your opinion?
4. Are you shrewd? Do you know that nobody will know about your ignorance if you keep quiet until you understand the issues and have the facts together?
5. Are you judicious? Would you hold back your judgment and condemnation until you’ve heard everybody and every connected matter on the issue? Do you want to be put to shame when a credible witness takes the stand?

I pray you will listen to King Solomon on this issue and maintain a good witness before people who will respect you.

So: May you always act with knowledge and never in haste; and may you never expose your folly in front of people by being presumptuous!

Shalom