I’m sad.
I’m reading through Scripture, specifically Proverbs 18, and I ran across a verse that jumps out at me.
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
What makes me sad is that as I try to think through stories or real life examples at work, all I can picture are tweets from the prominent politicians of our day. It’s also not lost on me that this seems to be the second day in a row where what Solomon associates with foolishness is easily demonstrated on social media in our context (and not just by our leaders).
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
Proverbs 18:13 (ESV)
Is it just me, or does that speak directly to most of the social media world, jumping on board with something they’re aggravated about before they have heard the whole story? Or maybe someone jumping on their computer and firing off an email response before they’ve heard all the details they need.
Our online communication platforms facilitate folly. Now, they don’t have to. There are plentiful examples of innovation and utility when it comes to what we have achieved in computing, but with that good has definitely come the bad.
Somewhere in the middle of all this are the words we need most.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV)
I wonder what would happen if before our knee jerk reactions online, we were to run to the Lord, allowing ourselves to be counseled by Him and His wisdom. What would change if we would just pause and pray before we fire off our response?
It seems like we should.
That would give evidence that we understand the power of what we say.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
drbillduvall.com 