A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. Proverbs 18:2 HCSB
We live in a time when giving our opinion on any given matter is easy to do. We cannot only give our opinion to one or two people, but we can put it out there on the worldwide web for the whole world to see. Many people take great delight in sharing their opinion and sharing it often on social media. We all have opinions, but is it wise to always share them?
Opinion is defined as a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. But perhaps you do base your opinion on facts or a particular knowledge about something, does your sharing your opinion line up with God’s word?
Matthew 6:33 tells us that our focus should be on God and He will handle all other things for us. So if this is the case, does your opinion really matter as much as you think it does? Is it so necessary that you make your opinion known? In what cases should you make your opinion known? I think we need to be careful about this. We see protestors making their opinions known very loudly and some even through acts of violence and destruction. Now we know that this is not right. Perhaps that we think giving our opinion doesn’t harm anyone, but is this really the case?
Our scripture passage tells us that fools do not delight in understanding, but only want to show off their opinions. What else does the bible say about sharing our opinions? Ephesians 4:29 says that we are to let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths, but only that which is good for building up, as fits the occasion, so that it may give grace to those who hear. Does you opinion tear others apart or is it uplifting? If someone does wrong, is your opinion offered with grace or with bitterness and hatred?
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind and by testing so that you may discern God’s will, what is good, acceptable and perfect. Do you form your opinion because that’s what everyone else is doing or because you have been in close relationship with your Lord and Savior and feel that this is God’s will for you?
Do you spout your opinion because of pride? We are told in James 4:6 that God gives more grace, He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Can you not stop yourself from spouting your opinion because you are just puffed up with pride? Do you think your opinion is so important because you believe that everyone should believe the way you do?
Maybe you don’t conform and share the opinion of others. Maybe your opinion opposes others. Do you share your opinion to cause strife? We are told in Proverbs 10:12 that hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Do you just like to argue? Galatians 5:20 tells us that strife is one of the works of the flesh. Self-control, patience, kindness, and gentleness are included in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
We are told in James 1:26 that if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, his religion is worthless. We must be careful to think before we speak.
As Christians when we give our opinion, we have a responsibility to adhere to biblical instruction. The above verses tell us things that we must be mindful of when we speak. Philippians 2:3 tells us that we should do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility we should count others as being more important than ourselves. In other words, expressing your opinion may give you feelings of satisfaction or even pride, but you must first consider how it will make the other person feel.
Be very careful before you speak or, in today’s world, before you type. Consider others more important that you consider yourself. If we could all learn to do this, we could rid the world of strife.
The bottom line is this, our opinions are not more important than God’s word. God’s word is very clear that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). We are told in Proverbs 15:1 that a gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. If you feel you must give your opinion, first ask yourself a few questions. Is it absolutely necessary? Most times it is not. Will it change anything? But most importantly, is the way I am expressing my opinion lining up with the instructions given to us in God’s Holy Word? If the answer to any of these is no, you may want to rethink it.
Have a great day!