How can we avoid making assumptions like those in 2 Kings 3:23? context: what happened in 2 Kings 3:23 “‘This is blood! The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!’” The Moabites saw sunrise reflecting on water, assumed it was a battlefield full of blood, rushed in unprepared, and were routed. Their snap judgment cost them everything. why faulty assumptions are so dangerous • they distort reality (Proverbs 14:12) • they invite rash action (Proverbs 21:5) • they ignore God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6) • they open the door to defeat (Joshua 9:14) principles for avoiding hasty conclusions • seek the whole story – “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace” (Proverbs 18:13). – pause long enough to gather facts before deciding. • look beyond appearances – “Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly” (John 7:24). – ask, “what else could explain what I’m seeing?” • test everything against Scripture – “test all things. Hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). – measure assumptions by clear biblical truth, not by feelings or rumors. • invite the Lord’s discernment – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). – pray first; let Him shine light on the situation. • slow your pace – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). – delaying a decision by even minutes can reveal details you missed. • consult wise counselors – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). – a trusted believer may notice something you overlook. practical habits to build • keep a “fact list” before forming opinions. • read a verse (Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5) whenever you sense yourself jumping to conclusions. • practice summarizing what you know versus what you’re merely assuming. • ask one clarifying question in every conversation. • schedule space in decisions—sleep on major choices. living assured, not assuming Walking in truth means refusing to treat partial information as the whole truth. By gathering facts, filtering them through God’s Word, and seeking His guidance, we keep from repeating Moab’s mistake and stand ready for victory instead of surprise defeat. |
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