Proverbs 18:13

13 He who 1gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to 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 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?
15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 20:25; John 7:51
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