Proverbs 15:28
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The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
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A righteous man may take a while to answer a question, but he will give the right answer in the end; while a foolish and wicked man will blurt out whatever first comes to mind. To the untrained eye, the righteous man may appear bewildered, while the wicked man may seem to be a great source of knowledge for the speed and quantity of his response.
But a wise man will consider this: haste makes waste and quantity usually covers for a lack of quality. The speed and length of an answer are not proofs of a right answer.
Wise men hear and consider questions before forming an answer; for answering a matter before hearing it is folly and shame (18:13; 25:8). Nicodemus appealed to this wisdom of the law to protect Jesus (John 7:51; Deut 13:12-18). If you answer by first impressions, you will often judge by appearance, rather than righteous judgment (John 7:24).
To avoid getting only one side of a story, at least two witnesses to any event is the wisdom of God (Matt 18:16; I Tim 5:19; Heb 10:28). This is certainly true in all matters of marriage, business deals, and other two-party controversies. Remember this rule well.
Searching out a matter is the honour of kings (25:2), which is to study all the details of a situation before judging. Wisdom requires circumspection, which is looking carefully in all directions (Eph 5:15). Perfect Job searched out matters before judging (Job 29:16).
Ministers only avoid shame and are approved by God through diligent study (II Tim 2:15; I Tim 4:13-15). If they teach or answer hastily, they will blunder without inspiration.
If Ahasuerus had studied, he would not have condemned Esther's people (Est 3:7-11). If Darius had studied, he would not have condemned Daniel to the lions' den (Dan 6:1-14).
There is no shame in saying to those asking you a question, "Please give me a little time to consider your question and prepare a proper answer." Such a response is wisdom. A man who answers hastily is a fool, so discount his answers greatly and do not be like him.
The Lord Jesus Christ, Whom God made quick in understanding, judges righteously, rather than by merely seeing or hearing (Isaiah 11:1-5). His name is Faithful and True.
Which is better? A quick answer to a question? Or the right answer? Do you feel pressure to answer questions quickly? Kill the need for speed to make sure you are right.
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