Assumptions!

It has been stated, “He who leaps with faulty parachute, jumps to conclusion.” Leaping without thinking and making sure of all the necessary details can truly be catastrophic. However, the same is true with regard to the things we see and the CONCLUSIONS we draw. How often have we thought we had a situation all figured out, only to have to apologize or hang our head in shame for having misjudged what we saw.

Solomon wisely cautioned…
“What your eyes have seen (8) do not hastily bring into court, for WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THE END, WHEN YOUR NEIGHBOR PUTS YOU TO SHAME? (9) Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret,
(10) lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.” ( Proverbs 25:7b-10 ESV)

The context in which Solomon placed this caution may have been that one might think he had a case when he did not. However, to go to the neighbor to discuss things, rather than perhaps even becoming guilty of gossip, is a step in clarifying the situation and providing the opportunity for understanding and reconciliation. When one, supposing they have the whole picture in view, jumps to CONCLUSIONS it often makes such reconciliation more difficult as anger and then pride get in the way.

Let us be careful with the CONCLUSIONS we draw. As we understand how we would prefer others to come to us to get the complete picture, let us give them the benefit of the doubt and do the same for them. Such action will help us save face as well as help to draw us closer to others in mutually beneficial ways.

Have a great day LEARNING BEFORE LEAPING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Judging