The Importance of Fact Checking to Discern the Truth
Discerning the truth
How can we know if something is true or false?
Not just what we hear or see in the media, but in everyday life?
For general things related to public life, several fact-checking sites exist where you can check to see if something is factual. One of the more popular sites is Snopes, but there are several others, and it’s good to use two or three sources when fact-checking.
But these sites don’t help with our everyday interactions with people. You could study body language indicators, but these highly depend on interpretation and are subject to individual bias.
An old saying goes, “there are two sides to every story.” A similar saying is, “There are two sides to every coin.” Actually, I think there are three sides to every story. Each person has their version of an event or situation and the truth may be somewhere in between their versions.
As a pastor, I learned the need to hear both sides of a situation, especially when counseling married couples. I also needed to listen to God’s Spirit to discern the truth in many situations, including counseling.
Scripture
Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant,
but humility comes before honor.
Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
The first to state his case seems right
until his neighbor comes to cross-examine him. (Proverbs 18:12-13, 17 GW)
(Context—Proverbs 18:9-19 GW)
Simple insights
At first glance, these verses don’t seem connected but they share a common thread—trustworthy character is based on the attitude of a person’s heart.
Humility—genuine humility—governs our emotions and thoughts instead of them governing us. So humility helps us respond rather than react.
Arrogance blinds a person from seeing anything but their own point of view. It numbs their ability to hear anything but their own opinions and thoughts.
Here are two simple, corollary statements that summarize these verses—
Arrogance blinds and numbs a person. Humility helps us respond rather than react.
Humility helps a person to be aware and alert. Instead of listening to the loudest voice, those who are humble listen for what is not being said and for any other points of view. They look for what exists between extremes and are patient enough to listen for the rest of the story.
This is the main point of verse 17—
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (ESV)
I had to learn this the hard way as a young pastor. When people I trusted would bring their concerns about the church, I quickly jumped into action to rectify the perceived problem.
After a few missteps, I learned to be less impetuous, more patient, and willing to pursue more information from other sources before drawing conclusions or taking any action. When possible, I talked with others who weren’t involved to avoid being hasty or foolish decisions.
I found thoughtful and probing questions revealed a bigger picture and a more complete story than relying on one person’s view of an issue. Though I learned this lesson long ago, I still need to guard against engaging in knee-jerk reactions to maintain a calmer attitude of heart and a humble mindset.
This is an important lesson we all need to be reminded of… often. It’s a lesson to apply in all facets of life, especially relationships where we might be more reactive than wise—at home, at work, and especially on social media.
If we don’t heed this lesson, we only have ourselves to blame for being led astray by false news, false accusations, or false concerns. So, ask yourself and others the hard questions—the ones likely to reveal a fuller picture and story, whatever the issue.
Be your own fact-checker when possible and ask God’s help to discern what is true.
Reflection—
When you hear something unsettling or hard to accept, make a point to get more information, consider other points of view, and ask thoughtful and probing questions. This can help keep you from unnecessary worrying, jumping to conclusions, or reacting in the moment. Humility and wisdom are honorable and peaceable virtues.
Prayer Focus—
If you are impetuous or quick to be concerned about what you hear or see, ask the Lord to give you discernment and wisdom before you react. You might need to ask God to help you many times throughout the day.
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