Proverbs 18 (David)
“He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame... The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out... The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Proverbs 18:13,15,17
When you take a multiple-choice question test, experience says you should always go with your first impression. That may work on tests, but life is much more complicated. To steal and abuse a Shrek phrase… life has layers and rarely do we find truth on the outside layer.
We humans (especially MEN) are prone to hide the truth about ourselves several layers deep. Our layers may protect us from others invading our personal turf at times, but those same layers can also backfire on us when we need (or want) others to know and trust us. (i.e. a loan officer, a police officer, or our dad when we get home hours past curfew).
I believe Proverbs 18 reminds us that life and the people around us have layers. We are not to judge a person or their circumstances too quickly and conversely, we are to remember that we ourselves too often have layers that shield others from the truth about us. If we want others to truly know us, to trust us, then we must shed those layers and place ourselves in their confidence.
Yes, openness and honesty is a fearful place but contrary to popular belief, it is not the safest place. The safest place is in the light of honesty and truth. Only in the place of truth are we truly safe and free (John 8:32).
Just recently, I shared my deepest thoughts (and layers) with a good friend. I so appreciated his love and wisdom as he reached out to me with compassion and understanding. No quick judgment. No canned counsel. I was vulnerable but thankful to get it all out there where I could see and h ear it for myself. No more layers. I cannot tell you how liberating and safe he made me feel with his gentle response as he guided me to prayer and faith.
I am reminded Jesus promised us this freedom in John 8:32. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus is himself truth and when we come to him, trust him, and remove our facades, he makes a way for us to find freedom and joy once again.
Lord, set me free from self-preservation and help me, like my brother, to love and accept others into their own safe place of truth, in you.
