A Thin Pancake

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:17

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

I know a guy who often said, “It’s a mighty thin pancake that only has one side to it.” That was his folksy way of saying the same thing as this proverb. It is a rare thing to have someone not defend themselves in a disagreement or conflict.

Husbands and wives usually see their partner's faults in a conflict more easily than their own. Listen to siblings arguing and you will hear them cast blame on each other for whatever has created their hurt feelings. Most students blame their teachers for their failure to grasp the subject being taught, and the teacher faults their students without ever considering the possibility that they aren’t communicating well.

Usually, when we hear someone explain other people’s faults and failures, we feel some sympathy and tend to take their side in the matter. The wise course is to withhold judgment. Wait until you hear the other side of the story.

Pancakes, no matter how thin they might be, have two sides to them. Before you judge it based solely on the side you see, flip it over and take a look at the other side. It might make you see it differently.

pancakes