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Deuteronomy 13:14
Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold,if it be truth,and the thing certain,that such abomination is wrought among you;

2 Samuel 16:4
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thineare all thatpertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech theethat I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

2 Samuel 19:24-30
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he cameagain in peace…

answereth a matter; returneth a word.

this is folly and disgrace to him.
The terms "folly" and "disgrace" highlight the negative consequences of speaking without understanding. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, folly is often contrasted with wisdom and is associated with moral and spiritual failure. Proverbs frequently warns against foolish behavior, which leads to shame and dishonor. The disgrace mentioned here can be understood as a loss of reputation and respect within the community, a serious matter in a society where honor and social standing were crucial. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative that values humility and the pursuit of wisdom, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect understanding and discernment.

• The proverb opens by picturing someone eager to speak, give a verdict, or offer counsel.

• Scripture consistently praises a measured tongue and thoughtful speech (Proverbs 15:28;James 1:19).

• “Answering” implies taking a position of authority; doing so carries weight and calls for responsibility (Proverbs 25:11–12).

• The real problem is not the response itself but its timing—speaking without first gathering the facts.

• God’s Word insists on thorough hearing before judgment (Deuteronomy 13:14;John 7:51).

• Listening protects all parties from misunderstanding, false witness, and hasty conflict (Proverbs 18:17; 25:8–9).

• The Bible labels impatience with facts as “folly,” a moral rather than merely intellectual failure (Proverbs 14:29; 26:12).

• Folly here is self-inflicted; the person exposes his own lack of wisdom by rushing ahead (Ecclesiastes 10:14).

• A wise heart pauses to consider, weigh, and verify (Proverbs 19:2; 21:5).

• Beyond foolishness, the outcome is “disgrace”—public shame and loss of credibility (Proverbs 13:18).

• Hasty words often have to be retracted, leading to embarrassment (Luke 14:8–9).

• Reputations are built or broken by how we handle information; disciplined listening preserves honor (Proverbs 22:1;James 3:13).

Proverbs 18:13 warns that speaking without first listening is both foolish and shameful. God’s design is that His people be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Careful listening honors truth, protects relationships, and upholds personal integrity, while impulsive speech invites dishonor and exposes folly.

Ὁ προκαταγιγνώσκων δὲ πρὶν ἀκοῦσαι σαφῶς
Αὐτὸς πονηρός ἐστι πιστεύσας κακῶς. Seneca, 'Medea,' 199 -

"Qui statuit aliquid, parte inaudita altera,
AEquum licet statuerit, haud aequus erit."

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