God has called you to show wisdom and discernment as you lead. 

In today’s information-saturated world, where you’ll find misinformation and half-truths everywhere, it’s more important than ever that you filter through Scripture every bit of information that you hear and read.

Many well-meaning people in your congregation will believe everything and anything they find on social media—whether that’s a news story or gossip about a friend. 

They don’t stop and question; they just automatically accept anything that fits within their bias. As a shepherd, you need to model a different approach. 

Don’t throw away your common sense. Don’t be gullible and believe everything you hear. That causes conflict. 

Proverbs 3:21 says, “Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion” (NIV).

Just like it’s important to take time to get an accurate picture of things you see or hear online, you also need to take time to get an accurate picture of your relationships. 

Often, we’re so busy in ministry, that it’s easy to jump to conclusions about other people without getting all the facts. This can lead to quick tempers and arguments. To lower the anger factor and have harmony, reserve judgement about other people until you have all the facts.

As Proverbs 3:21 says, choose to “preserve sound judgment.” When you preserve something, you hold onto it. You don’t quickly throw it out or get rid of it. 

Proverbs is telling you to keep a firm grip on good judgment, as if the health of your ministry depends on it—because it does!

The Bible says, “What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” (Proverbs 18:13 TLB)

Don’t be quick to condemn or criticize. Don’t assume you know people’s motivation, because you probably don’t. Don’t decide before knowing all the facts.

When you wait for the whole story about other people, you develop the compassion to love well and become more like Jesus.