Problems with Self-Expression

A fool has no delight in understanding,

But in expressing his own heart.

Proverbs 18:2

James would later write: “So then, my beloved brethren let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak slow to wrath…”  It is always easier to put our own viewpoint out there than to listen to the viewpoint of another.  There have been remarkable studies done on the brain to show how much energy it takes to change one’s mind and understand a contrary viewpoint.  It is a mere function of conservation of energy that often keeps us from doing so.  Yet, the Proverbs tell us that this tidy conservation of energy is, in fact, foolishness!  Wisdom takes energy, growing in wisdom is an actual investment.  This is true in our conversations and it is true in our Bible reading.  How often does a verse come up that challenges our current idea and we simply re-work it in our mind to fit with our existing belief rather than allowing the word of God to change our current understanding.   It is costly, and it requires humility, but it is worth it.