Gold Nugget 344 - Truth versus Self
Every man may say that he is the best judge of what concerns himself. But two considerations modify that contention. 1. No one truly knows himself. 2. A man's doings are not confined to himself. They cross the boundaries of other lives and interest. Therefore, while a man is seemingly making an innocent demand concerning his own business, he is really claiming to be the judge of what affects his neighbors. Hence the need of caution. …
Judgment is prejudiced by previous opinions. We all approach a subject with a stock of prepossessions. Even while honestly intending to make a fair estimate, we cannot but apply the standards of our old set notions. Hence the need of working out “the personal equation.”
It is biased by self-interest. This may be quite unintentional and unconscious. We may not be aware that we are showing any favour to ourselves. Yet so long as the selfishness of human nature remains as it is, there must be a secret weight in the scale inclining it to our own side.
Not knowing ourselves, we misread our own position. We give ourselves credit for aims that do not exist, and we disregard the real motives that actuate our conduct. … In private life, in public affairs, in theological controversies, we want to learn how to hear the other side. The very difficulties of private judgment call for the correction that may be thus afforded. …
We see the way in which a skilful counsel will break down the most plausible evidence by probing into its weak places; how he will worm secrets out of the most reticent witness. Truth is often revealed through antagonism. The man who prides himself on hoodwinking his fellows is foolish and short-sighted. If his insincerity is not discovered on earth, it will be revealed at the great judgment.
The Pulpit Commentary, Proverbs p. 355-356, Proverbs 18:17, (W. F. Adeney)
Gold Nugget 344
Truth versus Self
