Hi Reader,

Someone was upset at me recently for a decision I made. The man got very loud in expressing his displeasure, and at one point criticized my motives.

“That’s not true,” I said. “You’re making an assumption about my intent and it’s simply not true.”

I don’t think he heard a word I said because he kept talking on and on. It’s always dangerous when we think we are certain about someone’s motives. He predicted dire consequences from the decision I made.

A few days after this incident, my wife shared a passage from Ecclesiastes10:13-14 in the Bible that applies to this situation.

Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions, so their conclusions will be wicked madness; they chatter on and on. No one really knows what’s going to happen.

What did I learn from my encounter with this angry man?

Don’t assume I know the motives of another person. Rather, ask them why they believe the way they do. Don’t “chatter on and on.” Listen instead.

It’s so helpful to put into practice the wisdom found in the Bible in dealing with interpersonal relationships.

Until next time, I wish you all the joy that you can wish.*

John Certalic

  • The Merchant of Venice, Act III, scene 2

P.S. Seaon 10 of the podcast starts October 1st. Here are the latest two episodes from season nine in case you missed them.

​226: End-of-Summer Conversations​

​225: A Joy to Be Around​