We live in an age where information abounds but wisdom languishes. While I am immensely thankful that so much information is easily accessible because of the internet, I am also deeply concerned because it can pass along false information. Anyone can publish their thoughts. Ideas can spread due to their packaging or appeal rather than their veracity or substance. There has never been so much knowledge available, but also never so many conspiracy theories circulating.
People often joke that “it must be true because I read it on the internet” because we know that much of what we find on the internet may not be true! Yet, at the same time, people often read things on the internet and then spread the information because they believe it to be true. While the Book of Proverbs was written in a much different age, I believe it can help us become more discerning readers of information in the Internet Age and hopefully not be deceived into believing things that are not true. I’ll share a few principles from Proverbs that I think can help, knowing that this book probably has even more to share on this subject.
Be Sure to Listen to Various Perspectives
Proverbs 18:17 says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” This proverb reminds us that often people can make a compelling case, but when given closer examination by another, the case no longer seems as compelling and may in fact fall apart. Embedded in this idea is that you need to be careful not to believe everything at first glance. However, in our current age, people often get their information from a single source or single perspective. A story may link to other stories or refer to authors who only agree with them, with any discussion of opponents or those of a differing view are either quickly dismissed or misrepresented. When we only hear one side of the story and don’t seek out those who might critique or counter what is being said, we become susceptible to believing things that might not be true.
Check For Confirmation Bias
Two times in Proverbs we read: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (14:12; 16:25). While these verses do not directly discuss how to consider arguments and information being presented, I think they have important implications for us in that process. It is a reminder that we often think (or want to believe) something is true and good, but it is actually wrong and destructive. While we generally think of ourselves as logical and rational people, we are sometimes led more by our emotions and feelings, which may cloud our judgment and even blindfold the rational part of our mind. Our emotions and desires can lead to confirmation bias – we believe something that we want to be true rather than actually is true. Just because something seems right or fits what you want to believe does not mean that it is true. Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.” This reminds us to examine our hearts to make sure we aren’t deceiving ourselves. Wise people check for confirmation bias as they ponder ideas.
Seek Understanding More Than Sharing Your Thoughts
Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” This is a good reminder that foolish people continually tell you what they think (and what you should think!) while wise people regularly seek out more understanding and ask questions rather than spouting off their thoughts. This has implications both for how we listen (or better…who we listen to) and how we talk. If someone is very confident and always sharing their thoughts, it might not be a sign of wisdom, but actually a sign of their foolishness! In addition, we should be careful to make sure we aren’t the type of person who constantly pushes our ideas and agendas to other people like the fool here. I’m not saying we should be ashamed of what we believe or lack confidence, but rather, it’s important to walk in humility (not prideful arrogance) and to be confident so you are not threatened by those who might have different opinions than you.
Fear the Lord
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). This overarching principle for wisdom is also essential. We need to fear the Lord, not man. We need to trust God, not ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6). This means comparing the information that we see with the truths we find in the Bible. It also means that our hope and trust in God is more than in anything we might read about. It is okay to sometimes find out that you were mistaken (or flat out wrong) when it comes to things in this world; in fact, it can be good as Proverbs 10:17 and many other proverbs remind us). When it comes to God, though, we need to be certain we have all the facts. Finding information or ideas from the internet should never become more important to us than knowing the God who sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to rise from the dead to bring transformation to our lives now and for all eternity. He is the truth that we must cling to hold fast to as we navigate life in this world.
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