“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2)
Are you ready to meet some fools this week?
This proverb is about pleasure, about what feels good. Which is more fun for you—understanding or being heard? Do you have a better time trying to figure out what’s what—or telling everyone else what it is even if you’re not really clear on the details?
This verse says the fool is more motivated by expressing himself than knowing what he’s talking about. Have you met him? I have. He makes regular visits to my mirror, the jerk.
But you don’t have to just accept yourself as someone who loves to hear yourself yak. You can get wisdom. You (and me) can ask God to help us to find more fun in learning than knowing, more joy in asking than in answering.
Think: Be honest with yourself. How important is it to you to have people respect you for your opinions? Is it so important that you sometimes forget to care about other people’s ideas?
Pray: Ask God to help you to find pleasure in understanding and not to delight too much in airing your own opinions.
Do: Ask a friend you really trust to be honest with you about how often they think you care more about talking then listening.