Televangelist HB Morgan Digital Library Publications Christianity Today ✝️ Devotional Companion HEAR BOTH SIDES BEFORE YOU JUDGE Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:17 (TPT) "There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight." Wisdom requires patience before judgment. This principle is especially important for anyone entrusted with leadership, responsibility, or the task of helping resolve disputes. Because we deal with people who have different perspectives, emotions, motives, and experiences, we must be careful not to make conclusions based solely on the first account we hear. The first person to report a matter may sound convincing, but their version may not contain the entire story. If we act too quickly, we may make an unjust decision, damage someone's reputation, or become unknowingly involved in a conflict we do not fully understand. God's Word teaches us to establish matters carefully: Deuteronomy 19:15 (TPT) "A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established." Therefore, do not judge a matter simply because someone came to you first, spoke with strong emotion, or presented a convincing story. Emotions can influence how people describe events, and every person naturally sees situations from their own perspective. Wisdom listens carefully, asks questions, examines the facts, and gives people an opportunity to be heard. This does not mean that every accusation is false or that wrongdoing should be ignored. It means that justice should be pursued with patience, fairness, and discernment. If you are in a position of leadership, never allow haste, partiality, or emotional pressure to control your judgment. Seek the truth before making a decision. Hear the matter carefully, consider all relevant perspectives, and allow God's wisdom to guide you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Give me patience and discernment whenever I am required to make decisions or resolve conflicts. Help me to listen carefully, examine matters fairly, and never judge a situation based on only one side of the story. May I lead and relate to others with wisdom, justice, humility, and love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1–21; 1 Corinthians 5:1–5 Wisdom Capsule: Proverbs 3:11 (MSG) "But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction."