Context - It's Important

Today we’re diving into something that might save you from a few awkward moments—it’s all about context.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 18:13: "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish."

Have you ever read a text or overheard something and jumped to a wild conclusion? Yep, me too. We’re talking about how context changes everything—from conversations to Scripture to your morning mood. Let’s kick off with a little laughter and some lessons about slowing down before we react.

How many times have we misunderstood something just because we didn’t know the full story? It happens all the time! Let’s talk about why context matters.

One time, I thought someone was mad at me because of a text that just said "Fine."

Turns out, they meant "fine" like, okay, cool. Oh, the power of tone we can’t hear in texts! I think texting is great, but as we all know, sometimes the context that the text was sent in is different than how we read it.

Got your own funny misunderstanding story?

How about walking in on a conversation and catching just half of it, or making assumptions based on a few words?

I have done this, and I either know right away what is being talked about, or I walk in thinking, “What in the world is this conversation?”

And I don’t know about you, but my face sometimes speaks before my mouth does. Sometimes, I can’t stop my mouth from speaking, which then can make things even more awkward and weird.

This is why we must learn to listen before we speak so we don’t have foot-in-mouth syndrome. This is something I have made a point to practice, and I’m not going to lie—it’s hard sometimes.

I’m sure a few of you have dealt with teenagers and how they interact in conversations. As a mother, I take conversations from my sons so very differently than my husband does. That is mainly because I read into all things differently, and my husband can take them at face value. We really need to learn to see and listen fully when someone speaks so we can try to get a better understanding of where they are coming from, and not rely on our own interpretation of a conversation.

Before we jump to conclusions or take offense, let’s pause and seek context. Whether it's a text, a tone, or a tough moment—there’s always more going on.

We’re moving into how context applies to our faith. Have you ever read a verse and thought, "Wait, what?" Sometimes, all we need is a little background to understand the heart behind the words.

It’s easy to grab a Bible verse and run with it—but knowing who said it, why, and to whom makes it even more powerful. Like our verse today in Proverbs—context helps us avoid foolish mistakes.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 18:13: "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish."

If we didn't know the Proverbs and we didn't have the full context of this Scripture, it would just sounds like someone getting told to be quiet because they are misspeaking.

Taking Scripture out of context is like reading an instruction manual backwards—we’ve got to understand the beginning to make sense of the rest. Same with our life stories.

The thing about this Scripture is that we know the book of Proverbs really teaches us a lot about life. Yes, this verse wants to guide us to understand that we need to know all that is happening and not take things out of context before we speak out—otherwise, we can look foolish and sound like we don’t know what we are talking about.

We need to make sure that we read and use Scripture in context and not cherry-pick Scriptures and misuse them. This misuse can cause misunderstandings and frustrations.

Have you ever been walking through a room and heard your name, and it stops you in your tracks? Your mind starts going and wondering why they said your name and so on and so forth. You can either stand, wait, and continue listening, or you can immediately interrupt and start questioning. I say it is better to wait and listen to better understand the why behind all your questions.

When we see the whole picture, whether in Scripture or in our own lives—we can respond with more grace, more patience, and a whole lot more peace.

When we are reading the Word, listening, and speaking to others, ask God for wisdom to understand before you speak.

Let’s bring it home with some practical tips on living with a context-first mindset. It’ll save us stress, misunderstandings, and maybe even a few relationships.

When we pause to ask, "What else could be going on here?"—we lead with empathy instead of assumptions.

Kids act out for all kinds of reasons—and when we get the full story, we can respond better. Context helps us parent with more compassion.

We can carry this with us in every conversation so we aren’t so focused on what we might say next, but really have a good understanding of the conversation and answer in a way that is not butting in and is also appropriate and helps to keep the conversation going in a good way.

Context keeps us humble. I have a degree in communications, and sometimes I have a hard time communicating. I remember this and immediately became so aware of my words and how I may have come across. I know better, and I need to always make sure that I stay humble and willing to listen before anything else.

I saw this video of a guy who worked in a shop, and he waved at a guy as he walked by. The guy walking by thought he recognized the guy waving and went in and confronted him about something. Nothing was even said, and the context was mistaken.

We need to make sure we keep ourselves in check and understand our feelings, and not let them overtake us when we are in conversations and situations.

Stay humble.

Before reacting, let’s be curious instead of critical. When we understand the full picture, we show love more clearly—just like Jesus does with us.

Keeping things in context comes with a lot of layers, and making sure that we are curious first helps us to stay on track.

Many times, I have walked in on my kids and husband having interesting conversations, and I just decided not to ask questions at first. I continued to listen and tried to figure out the context. Sometimes these conversations are so off the wall that questions need to be asked, but it’s just a good reminder that we need to listen in all conversations before speaking up.

A little context can go a long way. In faith, in family, and even in funny moments—let’s be people who seek to understand before we assume.