“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish…. The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.” Proverbs 18:13,17
Jumping and Judging. This isn’t a tardy human interest story about an Olympic athlete, but it is an interesting observation regarding Human nature.
Perhaps it is our hurried world, or perhaps it is our own impulsive natures, but it seems like we want to form opinions as quickly as possible. The ancient philosopher Aristotle offered that. “Youth is easily deceived because it is quick to hope.” Whether it is impulse or youth, Proverbs cautions us to beware of deception.
We have heard it said in different ways. “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and “Don’t jump to conclusions” being among the most popular. There are so many expressions that have arisen because of our propensity to be foolish in acting upon something we have seen or heard before listening to the “other side of the story.”
Especially in the times we live in, we would be wise to apply a healthy degree of skepticism to sensational headlines or edgy social media posts, for as William Booth advised: “Look! Don’t be deceived by appearances – men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea.” Just because something is popular among the masses, does not mean that is true. Jesus even warned us in Matthew 24 that many would be deceived.
This week, be careful to clarify what you see or hear and if we are going to jump to anything we would be wise to follow ol’ Ben Franklin’s advice” To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”
