I am loving the weather. Loving green. Loving the new life and growth. Not loving the itchy eyes, ears, and throat or sneezing. Can you relate?
The joy and cost of spring remind me so much of the poetry of Proverbs. Have you found the rhythm of “obey and be blessed – rebel and suffer the consequences” yet? It is there in spades throughout this week’s reading.
Two particular verses spoke to me a little louder than the rest. I wanted to take a closer look at those together, mostly because they challenge me to think about how I am really living out God’s word. I hope the questions lead you to do some self-examination as well.
Proverbs 18:13
I especially like the NLT version which reads “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” It seems so simple doesn’t it? Certainly, some of us are even quicker to “spout off” than others, but I have to believe that every one of us can grow in this area. Why else would Solomon have spoken on this topic? Not only here in the Old Testament but also James 1:19 repeats this bit of wisdom by saying that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
It is easier for you to speak or listen?
What might cause you to speak too quickly?
When is it time to speak?
All things equal, what I have learned thus far is that it’s about maturity. Of course, it is easy to be quiet and listen when you have no interest, no opinion, or no experience with the topic. We’re not talking about those times. We are talking about when you do have interest, experience, and maybe even expertise or at the least a strong opinion to share.
Listening first honors others.
Listening first gives me a chance to learn about them, if not learn about the topic.
Listening first gives me time to pray for a godly response.
Listening first keeps me from dominating the conversation which is probably the best in all situations!
Proverbs 20:18
Similarly, this verse speaks about taking what I would consider to be the next step, asking for opinions, advice, or knowledge from others. Sometimes we’ll find that involves discovering different perspectives, beliefs, and certainly different opinions from yours.
Proverbs 20:18 “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
Experience is a wonderful teacher and the beauty of living in community is learning from one another. I have to confess, this has often been a struggle for me. I’ve got such a DIY mindset. Just jump right in and learn as you go has been my go-to for a long time. That is all well and good when you’re building a birdhouse and have plenty of extra time and materials, but when you are “making plans” or “building a case for what is right” (aka waging war) doesn’t it make a lot of sense to be armed with as much information as possible?
How will my plan affect others?
My family, my neighborhood, my community, my church, my testimony? Have I taken the time to think about that?
Seeking the advice of others will help us appreciate how our actions make a difference in other people’s lives.
What is my motive for the action that I’m planning?
Just a talk with a trusted friend sometimes reveals that our motives are very selfish or misguided. Conferring with others also can help us accomplish something even better simply because our motivation includes others.
What am I trying to accomplish?
One of the best ways that I have found to clarify the purpose or goal is to share it with others and request their feedback. Yes, it can be scary. Yes, I might disagree wholeheartedly with others’ opinions or advice, but in the end, it makes me better. It makes all of us better!
challenge
Our thoughtful response to the simple truths found in these verses can shape our lives to look more Christ-like. Our old nature can so easily dominate conversations and plans. We naturally want everything and everyone to be about ME. These two verses and the questions they elicit can help all of us grow up and reach OUT to bring others into greater focus and leave ME for God to take care of.
what to do