Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark. Even zealThe Hebrew word for "zeal" is "קִנְאָה" (qin'ah), which can also be translated as "passion" or "enthusiasm." In the biblical context, zeal is often seen as a fervent devotion or intense enthusiasm for a cause or belief. However, this verse cautions that zeal, while commendable, is not inherently virtuous if it lacks a foundation of knowledge. Historically, zeal without knowledge has led to misguided actions, as seen in the zealots of Jesus' time who sought to overthrow Roman rule without understanding God's broader plan. This serves as a reminder that passion must be guided by wisdom and understanding. is no good
The phrase "is no good" underscores the potential futility or even harm of actions driven by uninformed zeal. The Hebrew word "לֹא־טוֹב" (lo-tov) suggests something that is not beneficial or constructive. In a biblical sense, actions that are not rooted in God's wisdom and understanding can lead to negative outcomes. This aligns with the broader scriptural teaching that true goodness is aligned with God's will and purposes, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. without knowledge
The Hebrew term for "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'at), which implies a deep, intimate understanding or awareness. In the biblical context, knowledge is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the wisdom that comes from Him. Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding as foundational to living a righteous life. This phrase highlights the necessity of coupling zeal with a thorough understanding of God's word and His ways, ensuring that our actions are aligned with His truth. and he who hurries his footsteps
The imagery of "hurrying footsteps" suggests impulsiveness or rashness. The Hebrew word "אָץ" (atz) conveys a sense of urgency or haste. In the biblical narrative, haste often leads to poor decisions and unintended consequences, as seen in the account of Saul's premature sacrifice (1 Samuel 13). This phrase warns against acting without careful consideration and discernment, emphasizing the need for patience and deliberate action in accordance with God's timing and guidance. misses the mark
The phrase "misses the mark" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata), which is often translated as "sin" or "to err." In archery, it refers to failing to hit the target. Biblically, sin is understood as falling short of God's standards and purposes. This phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual consequences of acting without knowledge and wisdom. It underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God's will to avoid spiritual missteps and to live a life that honors Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God. 3. The Wise and the FoolishThroughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who do not. Teaching Points The Balance of Zeal and KnowledgeZeal, or passionate enthusiasm, is commendable but must be guided by knowledge. Without understanding, zeal can lead to misguided actions and decisions. The Dangers of Hasty DecisionsRushing into decisions without proper knowledge or consideration can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Patience and discernment are crucial. The Pursuit of WisdomBelievers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature Christians. The Role of Discernment in Daily LifeDiscernment helps in making informed decisions that align with God's will, preventing the pitfalls of acting on impulse. The Importance of Intentional LivingLiving intentionally involves aligning one's actions with God's wisdom, ensuring that zeal is directed towards fulfilling God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we ensure that our zeal is guided by knowledge in our daily walk with Christ? 2. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid making hasty decisions that might lead us away from God's will? 3. In what ways can we actively pursue wisdom and understanding in our spiritual lives? 4. How does the balance of zeal and knowledge impact our witness to others about the Christian faith? 5. Reflect on a time when you acted with zeal but lacked knowledge. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Hosea 4:6This verse highlights the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of understanding in the life of a believer. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, reinforcing the need for knowledge alongside zeal. Romans 10:2Paul speaks of the Israelites having zeal for God, but not according to knowledge, illustrating the potential pitfalls of zeal without understanding. People Isaiah, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Acting, Desire, Errs, Footsteps, Further, Goes, Haste, Hasteth, Hasty, Hurries, Isn't, Makes, Maketh, Miss, Misses, Missing, One's, Over-quick, Sinneth, Sinning, Soul, Steps, ZealDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 19:2 5883 impatience
5925 rashness
8370 zeal Library How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the GreatHow the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 10.) Differently to be admonished are the impatient and the patient. For the impatient are to be told that, while they neglect to bridle their spirit, they are hurried through many steep places of iniquity which they seek not after, inasmuch as fury drives the mind whither desire draws it not, and, when perturbed, it does, not knowing, what it afterwards grieves for when it knows. The impatient are also to be told that, when carried headlong by the impulse of emotion, they act in some …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
A DAY and an evening such as of that Sabbath of healing in Capernaum must, with reverence be it written, have been followed by what opens the next section. [2299] To the thoughtful observer there is such unbroken harmony in the Life of Jesus, such accord of the inward and outward, as to carry instinctive conviction of the truth of its record. It was, so to speak, an inward necessity that the God-Man, when brought into contact with disease and misery, whether from physical or supernatural causes, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
These maxims, good for a country where life is nourished by the air and the light, and this delicate communism of a band of children of God reposing in confidence on the bosom of their Father, might suit a simple sect constantly persuaded that its Utopia was about to be realized. But it is clear that they could not satisfy the whole of society. Jesus understood very soon, in fact, that the official world of his time would by no means adopt his kingdom. He took his resolution with extreme boldness. …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 19:2 NIVProverbs 19:2 NLTProverbs 19:2 ESVProverbs 19:2 NASBProverbs 19:2 KJV
Proverbs 19:2 Commentaries
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