Just My Opinion

Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions.                                          Proverbs 18:2

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”                            Abraham Lincoln

The quotes above are loaded with wisdom. The writer of Proverbs knew this 2500 years ago. Abraham Lincoln knew this 160 years ago. Yet, we all want to share our opinion on social media. Hey, I do it too. You are reading this in a blog that is on the internet. I like to share my opinion too!

I think the intent of these quotes- this wisdom- is that not all opinions are equal. Many people on social media, podcasts, and news organizations like to express their opinions. That is a right that many people around the world possess, (and sadly, many do not). If our opinions are not tempered with humility, and a diligent research of facts, then we would be better to heed the Lincoln quote above.

Just because we believe something does not mean that it is true. It is fine to express an opinion, but we have the responsibility to have it be an informed and thoughtful one. “Shooting from the hip” is not the best way to express an opinion. Indeed, that expression came about to describe one who fired their gun quickly without bothering to aim. The shot may hit its mark, but it was just as likely to wound an innocent bystander.

Just my opinion!

Prayer: Lord, give us understanding to choose our words, and share our opinions wisely, Amen