Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 18:13 in Multiple Translations
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.
He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it , it is folly and shame to him.
He that answereth before he heareth sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion.
Those who reply to someone before that person has finished speaking are foolish; doing that is disgraceful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 18:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵשִׁ֣יב
דָּ֭בָר
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
אִוֶּ֥לֶת
הִיא
ל֝֗/וֹ
וּ/כְלִמָּֽה
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil
דָּ֭בָר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Prep | Adv
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּ֥לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
הִיא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
ל֝֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וּ/כְלִמָּֽה
kᵉlimmâh
H3639
shame
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:13
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
דָּ֭בָר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אִוֶּ֥לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
הִיא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
ל֝֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/כְלִמָּֽה
kᵉlimmâh
H3639
"shame"
Conj | N-fs
This word means shame or disgrace, often referring to feelings of reproach or insult. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) disgrace, reproach, shame, confusion, dishonour, insult, ignominy 1a) insult, reproach 1b) reproach, ignominy
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, reproach, shame. See also: Job 20:3; Jeremiah 20:11; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:13
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? 15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 7:51 | “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 13:14 | then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:25 | It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. |
| 4 | Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. |
| 5 | Esther 8:5–17 | “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan ), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa. Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor. In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. |
| 6 | Esther 3:10–15 | So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.” On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:24–30 | Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes. For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” The king replied, “Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land.” And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 16:4 | So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!” |
| 9 | Daniel 6:9 | Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. |
| 10 | Daniel 6:14 | As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. |
Proverbs 18:13 Summary
[This verse teaches us that it's very important to listen carefully before responding to someone or something, because answering without hearing can lead to foolishness and shame, as seen in Proverbs 18:13. By taking the time to listen and understand, we can avoid misunderstandings and conflict, and show respect and care for others, as encouraged in James 1:19. This is a simple but powerful principle that can help us communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships, as seen in Proverbs 10:32 and Ephesians 4:29-32.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the problem with answering a matter before hearing it?
Answering a matter before hearing it is considered folly and disgrace because it shows a lack of wisdom and humility, as seen in Proverbs 18:13, and can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, as warned in Proverbs 10:14 and James 1:19
How can I avoid answering a matter before hearing it?
To avoid this, we should strive to be quick to listen and slow to speak, as instructed in James 1:19, and seek to understand the matter fully before responding, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 12:18
What are the consequences of answering a matter before hearing it?
The consequences of answering a matter before hearing it can be severe, including damage to relationships, loss of credibility, and spiritual harm, as seen in Proverbs 18:13 and warned against in Ephesians 4:29-32
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on communication?
This verse is consistent with other biblical teachings on communication, such as the importance of listening in James 1:19, the danger of hasty words in Proverbs 10:32, and the value of thoughtful speech in Proverbs 15:28
Reflection Questions
- In what situations am I most likely to answer a matter before hearing it, and how can I prepare myself to listen more carefully in those situations?
- How can I balance the need to respond quickly with the need to listen carefully and understand the matter fully?
- What are some common pitfalls or biases that can lead me to answer a matter before hearing it, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and wisdom in my communication, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:13 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it],.... Who is impatient, and cannot wait to hear it out, but breaks in upon the speaker before he has finished what he has to say; or is rash and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. He that answereth a matter before he heareth (it) - i:e., before he understandeth what the other hath said.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
Before he heareth it; before he hath fully heard and considered what another is speaking about it. It is folly and shame; it is a shameful folly, though he seek the reputation of a wise man by it, as if he could readily and thoroughly understand all that another cart say before he hath uttered it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.Ver. 13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it.] Solomon had said before, that "even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise," and in many passages of this blessed book he sets forth that a great part of man’ s wisdom is shown in his words. To be too forward to answer, before the question be fully propounded or expounded is rash, if not proud boldness, and reflects shame upon them that do it. Likewise to be "slow to hear, swift to speak," - hath not God given us two ears, and one tongue, to teach us better? - to precipitate a censure, or pass sentence before both parties be heard, to speak evil of the things that a man knows not, or weakly and insufficiently to defend that which is good against a subtle adversary; Augustine professeth this was it that hardened him; and made him to triumph in his former manicheeism, that he met with feeble opponents, and such as his nimble wit was easily able to overturn. Oecolampadius said of Carolostadius, that he had a good cause, but wanted shoulders to support it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
(13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it . . .—Comp. Sir 11:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
Verse 13. He that answereth a matter] This is a common case; before a man can tell out his story, another will begin his. Before a man has made his response, the other wishes to confute piecemeal, though he has had his own speech already. This is foolishness to them. They are ill-bred. There are many also that give judgment before they hear the whole of the cause, and express an opinion before they hear the state of the case. How absurd, stupid, and foolish!
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:13
13. answereth a matter] Rather, giveth answer, R.V. “Heb. returneth a word,” A.V. marg. Compare: “Answer not before thou hast heard; And interrupt not in the midst of speech.”—Sir 11:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:13
13. Answereth… before he heareth — This proverb condemns the bad manners of those who catch words out of a person’s mouth; the bad policy of those who express an opinion before they hear the state of
Sermons on Proverbs 18:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Election by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside th |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of li |
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Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice through the Holy Spirit to make decisions in life, both in ministry and personal choices. It highlights the signif |
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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Guarding Unity of the Flock by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of unity and harmony in the local church. He begins by using the analogy of an orchestra in the pit, highlighting how they are |
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Why Gcowe 97 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of new emerging missionaries from sending countries in evangelizing the world. They emphasize the need for more research, liste |
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Kind Listeners by Frederick William Faber | Frederick William Faber emphasizes the importance of kind listening and speaking, highlighting how attentive and compassionate listening can lead to gracious and thoughtful speakin |