ASSUMPTIONS

Proverbs 18:2 AMPC

A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.


My friend and I were conversing a few days ago, discussing a particular situation, and we both said the word “assumption” at the same time. This led us to talk about how many assumptions we make in various situations.

What exactly is an assumption?

An assumption is when beliefs or premises are taken as true without evidence. The Bible often warns against making assumptions about others or situations without seeking understanding. For example, our text highlights the importance of seeking knowledge before forming opinions.

We are all guilty of assumptions, especially the negative kind. We are quick to assume the worst of someone or something, aren’t we? Assumption is a very dangerous pastime. However, assumptions are dangerous when we fail to recognize that sometimes they are just assumptions and are not based on either experience or other forms of evidence. Underlying assumptions form the basis of our decisions, often without us even realizing it. They’re the beliefs or premises that we take for granted, which shape our approach to things and even how we see those around us.

Assumptions are invisible drivers behind the scenes that influence the outcomes of our actions more than we expect. They create fractured communications, arguments, and misunderstandings, which cause confusion and lying.

1 John 4:1 instructs us to test all spirits. By these tests, we might avoid making damaging assumptions. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” This, sadly, is one of the things assumption causes, as well as gossip and criticism. Assumptions cause strife, something Proverbs 25:8 advises against, but an unfortunate byproduct of assumption.

We assume we know something, but it often turns out to be something else completely. Many have erred in their Christian Walk because of assumptions. Reputation, love, and honesty have been destroyed because of assumptions. 1 Corinthians 13:6 tells us to only rejoice in the truth and certainly not in assumed truth.

One notable example of an assumption in the Bible is found in the story of Job. Job’s friends assumed that his suffering was a direct result of his sins or disobedience to God. They believed that such severe misfortune could only be a punishment for wrongdoing. In Job 4:7-8, Eliphaz says to Job: “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” This assumption was incorrect, as the narrative reveals that Job’s suffering was not due to his sin but was a test of his faith and integrity. This story highlights the danger of making assumptions about others’ circumstances without understanding the full context. We judge people’s situations because we assume that they did something wrong to be where they are, like Job.

If you are not sure, ask. If you cannot ask, keep silent; don’t build on your assumptions.

Samuel, in 1 Samuel 16:7, evidently assumed from looking at Eliab. Samuel assumed Eliab, the eldest, was God’s chosen one because of his appearance. However, God corrected him, saying, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Aren’t we all guilty of this? We look at people and, based on their appearance, manner, and speech, we assume we know them well enough even to pass comment or judgment on them. But from Samuel’s experience, we know appearances can be deceptive, and assuming based on one’s appearance is ungodly.

Most of us are like the disciples in John 9:1-3, who wrongly assumed that sin was the cause of blindness. God gave us wisdom to discern and not to assume.

PRAYER: Lord, give me discernment to understand your decrees, so as not to operate and act in assumptions in Jesus’ name, amen.

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