Slow Wisdom

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17, ESV)

It is easy to hear a story and take it at face value. The first version always sounds convincing. The details line up, the emotion is strong, and the whole thing seems airtight. But then another person steps in and offers another side, and suddenly, the entire picture shifts. That’s more than just an observation about human nature—it’s a warning.

God built this into Israel’s legal system for a reason. 

“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15, ESV)

A single perspective can be misleading, even when it is sincere. Memory is faulty, bias creeps in, and sometimes, people just straight-up lie.

This plays out in all kinds of ways. Have you ever had a friend vent about a conflict, and their side of the story made you want to jump in and defend them? Then you hear the other side, and suddenly, it is not so simple.

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13, ESV)

Wisdom does not rush. It listens, weighs, and waits before making a call. That is hard in a world where everyone is quick to take sides, especially online. Even when they’re wrong, the fastest, loudest voice often gets the most attention. However, scripture pulls us in a different direction. It calls for patience, discernment, and a willingness to hold judgment until the whole picture emerges.

Jesus lived this out perfectly. He was not in a hurry to react. He asked questions, challenged assumptions, and forced people to think beyond their first impression. He understood that sometimes the truth needed time to be revealed.

So what do we do with this? Slow down, listen longer, ask better questions, and resist the urge to pick a side too quickly. Wisdom isn’t about knowing everything instantly but having the patience to wait until the truth rises to the surface. Otherwise, we risk letting our integrity suffocate beneath the weight of someone else’s lies.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, ESV)

~PW 🌮🛶