Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9; Proverbs 18:13
Whenever scripture gives specific details, we need to stop and pay attention. In 1 Samuel 1:9 we read that Hannah stood up after eating and drinking; however, Eli remained seated by the doorpost. This is significant. Eli’s vision was limited so he could not see from Hannah’s standpoint. If he had simply stood up and asked a few questions, he would have discovered that Hannah’s home life was extremely stressful, including her turbulent relationship with Peninnah. But, Eli chose to remain seated rather than rise to the occasion.
It may require more effort on our part, but we owe it to other people to see from their vantage point before we treat our assumptions as fact. We may discover missing pieces of information that will increase our understanding. Discernment can protect us from making rash judgments.
Solomon summed it up when he said, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame” (Prov. 18:13).
- How have you responded in the past when people have judged you without knowing the full story?
- Today observe how quickly you jump to conclusions before hearing all the facts. What questions can you ask to help you make a fair judgment? How can you begin to see from other people’s vantage points?