“If one gives an answer before hearing,
It is folly and shame.
The human spirit will endure sickness.
But who can bear a broken spirit?
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge.
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
A gift opens doors.
Gifts give access to the great.
Whoever first states a case seems right,
Until the other comes,
Until the other cross-examines him.”
The intelligent mind is always acquiring knowledge. The wise ones always have an ear seeking knowledge. Inquiring minds want to know. It is folly and your shame if you give an answer before you hear the question. The human spirit can endure sickness, but a broken spirit is more difficult to bear. A gift will open doors for you, especially to the great ones. If you go to court, your case may seem right until you are cross-examined by somebody else.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 