A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2 ESV)
Pow! Like a punch in the mouth. This is my 6th time to read through Proverbs in the last 12 months. I don’t know how I have missed this verse. Unfortunately, this is frequently me.
While I consider this verse, my brain (or maybe my heart) is trying to put together a defense. When I read the verse, I instantly feel convicted, knowing that I am regularly guilty of this. At the same time, my heart says, “You are not so bad. It isn’t that you (I) “take no pleasure in understanding,” i’m just too busy. It isn’t that I am only interested in “expressing my opinion,” it’s just that my opinion is so good.”
Wow, what a proud (selfish) statement. Both statements illustrate the true nature and tendencies of my heart (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV). Today I will put less stock in expressing my opinion and more time and energy in pursuing understanding.