He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Anyone who responds to a situation before they've fully listened to it is being foolish and will end up embarrassed.
The writer is warning that jumping to conclusions or giving answers before fully understanding a situation leads to foolishness and shame.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon, who ruled Israel around 900 BC and was renowned for his God-given wisdom. This verse fits into a broader collection of sayings designed to guide everyday decisions in ancient Israelite society, where hasty words could lead to personal disgrace and social fallout. In that cultural context, wisdom was seen as a divine gift to help people navigate life's challenges and avoid folly.
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