All too often, brethren hear a rumor, or are treated to one side of a story and swallow it all. They may jump to conclusions, spread the story, and even condemn those about whom they've heard. This has always been true but, with the advent of e-mail, it appears to have become worse.

It may be that some begin with evil intent. However, others may have pure motives because they have complete confidence in the source of the information. By listening to the Proverb writer, we could gain much wisdom and possibly keep ourselves out of trouble. Two of the Proverbs come to mind as I reflect on the above-described problem.

Proverbs 18:13 - "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him." Matthew Henry comments: "See here how men often expose themselves by that very thing by which they hope to gain applause."

1. Some take pride in being quick. They answer a matter before they hear it, or hear it out. Nay, they answer as soon as they but hear of it. They think it is honorable to take up a cause suddenly; and, when they have heard one side, they think the matter so plain that they need not trouble themselves to hear the other. They are already apprized of the cause, and masters of all its merits. Whereas, though a ready wit is an agreeable thing with which to play, it is solid judgment and sound wisdom that do business.
   
   
2. Those who take pride in being quick commonly fall under the just reproach of also being impertinent. It is folly for a man to go about speaking to a thing that he does not understand, or passing sentence on a matter about which he is not truly and fully informed. When one lacks sufficient patience to make strict inquiry, if the thing be folly, it is, and it will be shame.

Proverbs 18:17 - "The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him." This tells us there may be another side to the story. Some information may have been omitted. Again, Matthew Henry comments: "This shows that one tale is good till another is told."

1. He who speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate only that which portrays him favorably. He colors his story as best he can, so that his cause appears to be good, whether or not it really is.
   
   
2. The plaintiff having presented his evidence, it is only fit that the defendant should also be heard. He should have opportunity to confront and cross-examine the witnesses, and to show the falsehood and fallacy of what the plaintiff alleged. In light of the confrontation and cross-examination the matter may take on an entirely different appearance. We must, therefore, remember that we have two ears with which to hear both sides of the story before we render judgment.

From these two Proverbs, we learn a valuable lesson. Before swallowing a story, retelling it, and condemning another, we would do well to get the facts!