The Phoenix Suns are 1-0 after opening the regular season with a 116-113 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Yet, at least one prominent national prognosticator isn't particularly optimistic about Phoenix's long-term prospects this season.
When asked how much confidence he had in the Suns as a contender with Kevin Durant as the team leader, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith responded, "Not much, not much. But let me explain why - I don't question the greatness nor the commitment of Kevin Durant. ... But the flip side to all of that is he's been relatively leaderless."
Durant eventually took to social media to respond to Smith's comments, defending his abilities as a team leader. These comments led to further exchanges between Durant and some basketball fans, including one who stated that Durant needed to be more vocal.
In response to that suggestion, Durant replied, "Brother, respectfully, you've never been in a gym with me to know if I need to speak up or not. You're just guessing with no information on the subject. Be better."
Regardless of where the truth may lie regarding Durant's abilities as a leader, there is something valuable we can take away from his online comment to a criticizing fan.
Most of us tend to jump to conclusions faster than we should, and we love to share our opinions on topics that aren’t always valid.
We can quickly get into trouble when we speak authoritatively on topics we haven't invested enough time to ensure our judgments and assessments are accurate.
This can be especially true regarding a matter of conflict between two parties. If we aren't careful, we can hear one side of the story and jump to definitive conclusions before taking the appropriate time to investigate matters.
Proverbs 18:17 (NASB) explains, "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him."
As followers of Jesus, we should be far more concerned about speaking truthfully than we should be about trying to talk first.
Before we start making definitive statements that could have serious ramifications moving forward, we need to ensure that we have thoroughly assessed the situation and that we’re not speaking out of ignorance.
Proverbs 25:2 (ESV) says, "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."
The main point expressed in this verse is that God is glorified because He knows things that nobody else knows. He doesn’t have to search for anything because He is omniscient.
Conversely, the glory of kings is to take the time and effort to look into matters to ensure we’re making the best decisions possible.
Rather than responding immediately when we receive information that we haven’t verified or heard all sides of the story, we need to be quick to listen and slow to speak until we’ve gathered the necessary information to inform us as we move forward correctly.
Today, let's carefully consider what we say and our opinions, ensuring that everything we share is guided by truth and righteousness.
I'm Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve spoken hastily or out of ignorance. Please help me to be someone who gathers information before I speak so that all my words will be appropriate and truthful and will bring You glory. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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