Wisdom from the Proverbs - Life Coach

“The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” --

Proverbs 18:17

There may be two or more sides to every story. When we hear a person giving their account of a situation we would be wise to remember that, if this story involves more people, they may have a different take on it.

Have you ever heard yourself telling a story when you are upset or wanting to justify your actions? In telling the story, did you hear your own words paint a picture that is more in favor of redeeming you than being fair in giving the full story? What you are saying may be true, but did you add certain adjectives that slant it in your favor or against the other person? Or, in a different scenario, you may tell the truth while omitting part of the truth that would change the judgment of the listener.

If we can recognize this even in ourselves on occasion, we may learn to listen to someone else using wisdom to withhold judgment until we hear the other side of the story.

Being fair and just are traits that we should esteem. Our world offers many opportunities to be adversarial, or put a spin on the facts. It is tempting to do, but a person of real character will seek to be fair. How much better our world will be when we and those around us are fair and just.

Action: Seek to be fair and just.