Proverbs 18:13 Meaning and Explanation
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Responding to a matter before listening is foolish and brings shame.
The Context of Proverbs 18:13
Listen before you speak; hasty response reveals folly.
What Does Proverbs 18:13 Mean?
To answer before hearing fully is the essence of folly. A person who does this judges without facts, assumes the worst or best without evidence, and speaks from prejudice rather than understanding. The folly lies in reversing the natural order—responding instead of learning.
Such hasty response brings shame because it reveals ignorance and bad judgment. The person shames himself publicly by showing he acts without thinking, that he does not listen, and that his conclusions are unreliable. Wisdom waits to hear.
Proverbs 18:13 in the Original Language
answereth (עָנָה, anah), 'to answer' or 'to respond' — to speak in reply or reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:13
What does Proverbs 18:13 mean?
Responding to a matter before listening is foolish and brings shame.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:13?
Listen before you speak; hasty response reveals folly.