Proverbs 18:13 kjv

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

Proverbs 18:13 nkjv

He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 18:13 niv

To answer before listening? that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13 esv

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13 nlt

Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 13 Meaning

Proverbs 18:13 illuminates a fundamental principle of wisdom concerning speech and judgment: anyone who hastily interjects a response or renders a verdict before fully listening to and comprehending a matter commits an act of folly. This rashness inevitably leads to personal disgrace and public humiliation, marking such an individual as imprudent and undiscerning. It underscores the critical importance of patience, careful consideration, and complete understanding before offering an opinion or taking action.

Proverbs 18 13 Context

Proverbs chapter 18, embedded within the larger collection of Solomon's wisdom, offers pithy, contrasting statements primarily focused on the nature of relationships, speech, wisdom, and folly. Several verses in this chapter touch upon the power and pitfalls of words, the importance of listening, the foolishness of self-reliance, and the value of discerning judgment. Verse 13 specifically addresses the practice of interjecting an answer or making a judgment prematurely, before thoroughly grasping the situation. In ancient Near Eastern societies, where oral communication was primary, and legal processes often relied on witness testimony and elders' discernment, the act of speaking rashly in public or judicial settings carried significant weight. A reputation for wisdom hinged heavily on measured speech and sound judgment, making the public consequences of "folly and shame" particularly impactful. This verse serves as a crucial guide for those seeking to act wisely in conversations, debates, and even matters of dispute, stressing that true wisdom prioritizes comprehensive understanding over impulsive declaration.

Proverbs 18 13 Word analysis

• He that answers (מֵשִׁיב - meshiv): Derived from the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn, return," in this Hiphil form, it signifies causing to return, hence "to answer," "to reply," or "to retort." It implies an active response, often with a sense of interjection or providing an opinion, defense, or solution. It is not merely a passive receipt of information but a turning back with a spoken word.

• a matter (דָּבָר - davar): A highly versatile Hebrew word. While often translated "word," it encompasses a broad semantic range including a thing, affair, business, case, event, decree, report, or a whole discourse. Here, it refers to any situation, issue, question, or proposition that requires consideration or a response. Its broadness underscores that this principle applies across all facets of life requiring discernment.

• before he hears it (בְּטֶרֶם יִשְׁמָע - beterem yishma):

  • before (בְּטֶרֶם - beterem): An adverb indicating precedence in time, emphasizing prematurity. The action of answering occurs prior to the necessary prerequisite.
  • he hears it (יִשְׁמָע - yishma): From the root שָׁמַע (shama), meaning "to hear," but importantly, it often implies more than just auditory perception. It denotes listening attentively, comprehending, understanding, perceiving, paying heed, and even obeying. In context, it suggests fully grasping the details, nuances, and implications of the "matter." The folly lies in responding without this complete apprehension.

• it is folly (אִוֶּלֶת - ivvelet): Refers to the characteristic of a fool or foolishness itself, especially moral or practical folly. It describes behavior or a state of mind that is irrational, senseless, and lacking in good judgment. This is not just a mistake but a fundamental defect in wisdom.

• and shame (וּכְלִמָּה - u'chelimmah): Derived from כָּלַם (kalam), meaning "to be disgraced, humiliated." This is a strong word denoting public reproach, disgrace, or humiliation. The consequence of folly is not merely internal error but external loss of honor, respect, and reputation. It indicates that the unwise act brings dishonor upon the individual who acts so impulsively.

• Words-group analysis:

  • He that answers a matter before he hears it: This phrase describes the impulsive action – interjecting with a response or opinion, or passing judgment, when one has not fully processed or understood the situation at hand. It highlights the impatience and lack of due diligence characteristic of such an individual, setting the stage for negative consequences.
  • it is folly and shame unto him: This phrase delivers the direct and inevitable consequence. The impulsive act is immediately categorized as utter foolishness (ivvelet), marking the doer as unwise. Furthermore, it results in public humiliation and disgrace (chelimmah), implying a loss of face, credibility, and respect in the eyes of others. This is a severe indictment in a shame-honor culture.

Proverbs 18 13 Bonus section

This Proverb functions as a crucial ethical and communicative guideline, extending beyond simple etiquette to reflect a core principle of righteousness. It underscores that truth and justice cannot be rightly administered or comprehended if the full scope of a matter is not taken in. The act of "hearing" (shama) in Hebrew is profoundly significant; it implies not just auditory reception but deep understanding, assent, and often, readiness to obey. Thus, "hearing before answering" isn't merely about gathering facts, but about allowing the entire context and implications of a matter to settle and register fully in one's mind, engaging both intellect and discernment. This wise counsel applies broadly to judicial proceedings (as echoed in Deut 1:16, where Moses appointed judges), personal disputes, and even spiritual inquiry. One cannot grasp God's will or speak for Him if one has not truly listened to His voice and understood His ways (cf. Luke 11:28, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"). The emphasis on shame also connects this folly to the social fabric of the time, where honor and reputation were paramount; to act foolishly was to lose the respect of peers and community, impacting one's standing and influence. This makes the verse a powerful incentive for prudence and patience in all communicative endeavors.

Proverbs 18 13 Commentary

Proverbs 18:13 offers profound insight into the mechanics of wise interaction and judgment. The core message is that premature response or judgment is intrinsically foolish and damaging. Wisdom is inherently tied to patience and careful reception of information. A wise person prioritizes listening (and truly hearing/understanding) over speaking, particularly when addressing a "matter" that requires thoughtful consideration, whether it be a simple conversation, a complex dispute, or a decision-making process. The fool, however, driven by impatience, pride, or a desire to appear knowledgeable, interjects before all facts are known, before nuances are appreciated, or before the other party has fully expressed themselves.

This verse teaches that such impetuosity is not a neutral act; it yields concrete, negative outcomes. First, it is folly. A response born of incomplete information is inherently flawed, often leading to erroneous conclusions, ill-advised actions, or hurtful words. It reveals a fundamental lack of discretion and sound judgment. Second, and crucially, it brings shame. This refers not merely to an internal feeling of regret but to external, public disgrace. One who consistently speaks without fully hearing will be perceived as unreliable, ignorant, and disrespectful. Such a reputation undermines credibility and diminishes one's standing in the community or within a relationship.

This principle is vital in all facets of life, from personal conversations (where rushing to respond can shut down dialogue) to professional settings (where hasty decisions based on partial data can lead to serious errors) and spiritual discernment (where waiting on God and His Word is paramount before acting). It promotes active listening, humility in admitting one's need for more information, and self-control in guarding one's lips. The Bible consistently elevates listening as a hallmark of wisdom and warns against the pitfalls of impulsive speech, highlighting that a truly wise individual cultivates patience and discernment.

Examples:

• A judge giving a verdict after hearing only one side of the testimony.
• A parent reprimanding a child based solely on a quick observation without letting the child explain.
• A friend offering strong advice on a personal crisis after only hearing the problem's surface-level details.
• An individual reacting strongly to a news headline without reading the full article or seeking other perspectives.