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Proverbs 18:13

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13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
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Proverbs 18:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 The one who gives an answer before he listens- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 To answer before listening is foolish and shameful.

Proverbs 18:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:13

He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it]
Who is impatient, and cannot wait to hear it out, but breaks in upon the speaker before he has finished what he has to say; or is rash and precipitate, and returns an answer at once, without weighing and considering, and thoroughly understanding, what is said: it [is] folly and shame unto him;
his answer must be a foolish one, and bring shame and confusion upon him; men should be "swift to hear", and "slow to speak", ( James 1:9 ) .

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Proverbs 18:13 In-Context

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 20:25; John 7:51
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