READING: Proverbs 17-20
“Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.”
Proverbs 19:2
Ouch. The Word hit home again today.
I can be a hasty, impulsive person who gets so focused on what I want to get or accomplish that I don’t think long enough before acting. Sometimes that’s because I just get laser-focused on the task at hand, and I fail to stop and think about people and needs around me. I’ll get so focused at times, in fact, that I forget to eat. In those times sleep tends to be less than ideal, too, so I don’t take good care of myself. I’m passionate about the task, but misguided passion can actually be destructive and sinful.
At other times, I just decide I want something and go get it without thinking seriously enough about whether I really need it or if it’s the wisest use of the money God has given me. Frankly, I can show you at my home all kinds of gadgets, tools, fitness equipment, books, and cool “stuff” that I was sure I had to have – and have since forgotten I even had it. My eagerness to have something trumped my willingness to plug my brain in and make a wise, informed choice.
Or, I can tell you testimonies of times when I overreacted to a situation, wrongly assuming I had all the information I needed to respond properly. My lack of complete information, however, sometimes left me with wrong, sinful feelings that then led to poor leadership decisions. Hastiness and rashness cost me and others.
I trust I’m growing in all these areas. In general, though, I need to hear again the words of Proverbs: “Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins” (Prov. 19:2).
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray for God to help you to make wise, informed, well thought-out decisions today.
- If you know you often act hastily, slow down today.
PRAYER: “Lord, I don’t want to act in haste today. Help me to think and plan wisely.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch up day
