Thoughts from Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:13

¹³ If one gives an answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.

This verse has special meaning to me because I have been so often guilty of this.  When this verse is read, the truth of it seems so obvious, but it is so seldom practiced that it must be poorly understood.  There are at least two obvious results to this failing.

1.       The answer may be foolish to the one asking the question.

2.       It shames the person asking the question by ignoring their intent and substituting an answer not sought.

Proverbs 18:24

²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Two thoughts: 

1.       The number of companions do not equal friendship.  There may be many companions while there are no true friends.

2.      True friendship is no less a reality and no less valuable.