Tuesday, June 05, 2018

To Judge Without Understanding Is Foolish

Detroit Metro Airport

One evening, when we were younger, I came home from work and heard my sons talking with Linda. It sounded like they were arguing with her. I felt anger, strode into the living room, and took charge.

"Stop arguing with your mother!" I said, in a commanding voice.

All three of them stopped, looked at me, and one said, "You don't even know what we are talking about!"

That was true. I judged, without first understanding.

Judging without understanding is foolish. In all things worth knowing, understanding always precedes evaluating. This always takes more time. This is where we go slow. The relationship is ore important than the outcome.

The good doctor examines before diagnosing.

The auto mechanic diagnoses before estimating.

The builder surveys before constructing.

The counselor listens before helping.

The smart consumer researches before purchasing.

The lawyer studies before presenting.

The police officer investigates before citing.


Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29



Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,

but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
Proverbs 15:21

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 17:27

By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established.
Proverbs 24:23

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7

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