Opinions

Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

King Solomon has several proverbs relating to the wisdom of opinion. In 12:23 he says, “A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” And in 15:2 Solomon says, “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” There are basically two types of people: 1) There are those that have knowledge, use it wisely and only speak of it only at proper times; 2) There are those that think they are wise, but foolishly proclaim their opinions only for the sake of their own beliefs.

Opinions are common. There are opinion polls to show averages of people’s opinions on a subject. Rarely, if never will you see a single opinion at 100% for everyone is different. News commentators give personal opinions in addition to factual information; so in essence they mix fact with founded or unfounded personal belief. Letters to the Editor are opinions, individual points of view. Even someone selling you something will say, “In my OPINION this is a good buy.” Everyone has an opinion, but that does not mean their opinion is valid. Many opinions are not based on fact, not founded in wisdom or shown to be true. They are what they are; the personal belief of an individual. An important lesson to remember is when someone confronts you with their opinion, remember “it is just their opinion”. You have an opinion of yourself that counts too. Even greater is God’s opinion of you - He calls you precious and dear to Him. When a loved one or someone we respect gives us an unfavorable opinion of ourselves it can hurt. Maybe they got pieces of facts, heard rumors, or listened to lies and they presented a foolish opinion. Again, remember it is their opinion, you don’t have to agree, you don’t have to defend your own opinion of yourself, and you don’t have to respond in anger. Thank them for their opinion and keep your opinion of them to yourself. Seek God’s wisdom and let God speak to you on what is true and what is not to see if there is any truth in their opinion. Hand your emotions over to God and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart so that you may know the truth. Pray God would show you His opinion of you matters more than the opinion of others or even yourself.