"Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out" (Proverbs 17:14).
"Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears" (Proverbs 26:17).
Don't get drawn into someone else's quarrel because it will usually end up hurting everyone more. For one thing, most people who are upset are not objective and you are only hearing one side of the issue. You could come out looking rather foolish if you took a stand before you have all of the facts.
Wisely King Solomon says, "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish" (Proverbs 18:13). This verse may also be translated, "Answering before listening is both stupid and rude" (MSG).
Often we're in danger of making a judgment concerning an individual or even some matter concerning the church with which we fellowship without having the full story. Way too many times people "spout off before listening to the facts." Have you ever done this?
Jesus says, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24, NASB). The New Living Translation puts it, "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly."
If you've misjudged someone or have spoken out without having checked your source or digging out the facts for yourself, take responsibility for your actions. Do your very best to make amends and disseminate correct information.
(Commentary Mark Martin)
"Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears" (Proverbs 26:17).
Don't get drawn into someone else's quarrel because it will usually end up hurting everyone more. For one thing, most people who are upset are not objective and you are only hearing one side of the issue. You could come out looking rather foolish if you took a stand before you have all of the facts.
Wisely King Solomon says, "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish" (Proverbs 18:13). This verse may also be translated, "Answering before listening is both stupid and rude" (MSG).
Often we're in danger of making a judgment concerning an individual or even some matter concerning the church with which we fellowship without having the full story. Way too many times people "spout off before listening to the facts." Have you ever done this?
Jesus says, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24, NASB). The New Living Translation puts it, "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly."
If you've misjudged someone or have spoken out without having checked your source or digging out the facts for yourself, take responsibility for your actions. Do your very best to make amends and disseminate correct information.
(Commentary Mark Martin)