"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." (Prov 18:2)
Every Christian who signs up for a Twitter or Facebook account should post this verse on their "home page" or review it every time they browse social media.
Sharing an opinion – without someone soliciting your opinion – could come across as prideful, as the verse that precedes this one demonstrates – "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment" (Prov 18:1).
It's not that having opinions is wrong or even sharing them is wrong; it all depends on the context of the conversation and if the person you are speaking to is interested in your opinion.
In conversations, we serve our audience better by listening to them and not filling that time with our opinions.
A fool is one who doesn't listen to others; instead that fool thinks everyone should listen to them. They think they are right, and, therefore, they think everyone should hear what they have to say. This fool thinks that they are great and are a help to the world when their opinions are heard.
This is one of the reasons that James said we must slow to speak and quick to hear (Jas 1:19). We must not think highly of ourselves (Phil 2:3-4) in our conversing with others.
I have tried hard in life and ministry to "stay in my lane," as it relates to subjects that I have no authority to speak about. As a pastor, I want to be careful that when people hear me speak, they can trust what they hear as their shepherd. Thus, I need to speak in areas of conviction and not opinion.
And I don't think this commitment of mine applies to pastors only. All of us Christians should have this kind of awareness.
Speak less, listen more. And when you speak, serve the one you are speaking. Don't advance your own opinions for the sake of making yourself feel better.
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