Proverbs does not hesitate about the title of “fool” (3684). It does not name names, but describes the qualities of a fool. The idea is to apply them to ourselves in honesty. What we usually do is look at how they are obvious in others. This is where Jesus teaching on the beam and mote should come into play.
As believers, we should “delight” (2654a) in getting beyond the surface of things. We should seek to really know instead of being superficial.
How often do I have a conversation and don’t care if I am “understanding” (8394) the other person? One of my goals should be to understand what others are saying instead of planning my response. This goes along with repeated instructions to listen.
It is so common to focus only on “discover[ing]" (revealing NASB) (1540) what is on my “heart" (mind NASB) (3820). This has been mentioned many times. People are not listening to what the other person says, they are thinking about what they will say next.
James 1:19 ¶ {This} you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak {and} slow to anger;This is the word used for Noah when he uncovered himself after the flood. It has the idea of indiscretion and lack of decency.
Implied in this is that we think we have something to reveal. Also implied is that it is not worth the effort. Blogging is a good example of this narcissism. I have started a blog to share my ideas. Who cares? In reality it is a lot like preaching. You declare what you believe to be truth. You can never be sure in the short term if anything you say will have any real effect. And like all good preaching, what is said should speak to the speaker as well as the listener.
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