Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Original Language Analysis
מֵשִׁ֣יב
He that answereth
H7725
מֵשִׁ֣יב
He that answereth
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
דָּ֭בָר
a matter
H1697
דָּ֭בָר
a matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּטֶ֣רֶם
H2962
בְּטֶ֣רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
before he heareth
H8085
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
before he heareth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
Court proceedings and council deliberations required careful hearing of all testimony before rendering judgment. Premature conclusions led to injustice and foolish decisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you interrupt or mentally prepare responses instead of truly listening?
- What helps you practice patient hearing before speaking?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Answering before listening demonstrates foolish pride—assuming one knows without hearing fully. This is both folly and shame, revealing presumption and disrespect. James 1:19 echoes this: be quick to hear, slow to speak. Wisdom requires patient listening before responding.