Proverbs 18:13

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Proverbs 18:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:13

He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it]
Who is impatient, and cannot wait to hear it out, but breaks in upon the speaker before he has finished what he has to say; or is rash and precipitate, and returns an answer at once, without weighing and considering, and thoroughly understanding, what is said: it [is] folly and shame unto him;
his answer must be a foolish one, and bring shame and confusion upon him; men should be "swift to hear", and "slow to speak", ( James 1:9 ) .

Proverbs 18:13 In-Context

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty , and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear ?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. answereth...: Heb. returneth a word
The King James Version is in the public domain.