Don’t act impulsively.

Introduction

Every day, we hear a story about something or someone and many times we tend to believe the story when it first comes out.  Proverbs 18:17 states “The one who states his case first seems right until the other comes and examines him.”

There is a particular incident that happened recently, and one side of the story was presented. However, many people responded to what was presented and believed it, but the story presented was very misleading. I knew that it was inaccurate because I knew the other side of the story.

There was another incident that was posted on social media, and I liked it and almost commented on it. However, the individual came out and gave their side of the story. I was ashamed because I believed what was posted and I had judged that individual.

I believe most people know that there is more than one side to a story, but this article is to remind you to be conscious of your reactions and not to act impulsively when you hear something.

The impact of one-sided story.

Listening to one side of a story can be very dangerous. It can cause you to say something that you may later regret and cannot even take it back. It can also cause you to misjudge others and dislike others. It can also cause you to treat people differently. You did not hear all sides of the story but based on what you heard, your attitude and actions toward others were negative. You can even jeopardize a relationship because of a one side story.

Sometimes some people are so impulsive that they spread that story to others until it appears to be true for some especially if that person who the story is about remains quiet. However, when the truth comes out, your credibility is questioned.

Know the other side to the story.

It has been established that there are at least two sides to a story. Therefore, if you are really interested in all sides of the story, find out from the relevant sources about the other sides of the story. Sometimes it is best not to get involve or be a part of the story if it does not involve you.

In the bible there is a story about two mothers who had infant sons but one of the son’s died. Now each woman claimed that the baby that lived is theirs. King Solomon proposed that the baby be cut in half and each woman gets half. The mother whose baby died supported that proposal. However, the real mother suggested to Solomon to give the living baby to the other woman rather than killing the baby. Solomon was able to decide to whom the baby should go to. Now if he had listened to the first mother, that child would have been killed and not be alive with his biological mom.

Conclusion

I conclude with Proverbs 18:31 which states that “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”

There are so many negative situations in life that can be avoided if we know all sides to the story. Of course, the best thing to do is tell the truth because eventually the truth will come out.