Haste Makes Waste

Scripture

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs.

~Proverbs 19:2, NASB

Quote

Jesus never got into a hurry.

~Randy Sharp

Occasionally I like to compare translations so let’s look at a few different versions of Proverbs 19:2…

  • NKJV–Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.
  • NLT–Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
  • NIV–Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
  • GNT–Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; impatience will get you into trouble. 
  • NIrV–Getting excited about something without knowledge isn’t good. It’s even worse to be in a hurry and miss the way.
  • NCV– Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.

After studying all these translations, you don’t need a commentary; the message is very plain. It is not wise to act rashly, impulsively, ignorantly or hastily. When we get in a hurry, we increase the risk of error. Even those who are patient make mistakes but they don’t make them at the rate of those of us who plunge in head first without checking the depth of the water. There is one thing that age teaches us and that is to slow down. Enthusiasm and zeal are good things but they will not help us over come bad decisions or poor judgment. I have made a ton of mistakes in my life. You can call me a lot of things but a good businessman is not one of them. I have ignored good sound advice and moved forward with my plans in spite of a number of red flags. My motto was, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and if it meant getting a bigger hammer, I got a bigger hammer. I admit that there are times when this determination pays off but my failures far out number my successes. At age 68, I am in full agreement with Ben Franklin paraphrase of Proverbs 19:2, “Haste Makes Waste.”

When Seth was a boy, he and I enjoyed watching the movie CROSSFIRE TRAIL. Young J.T. was trying to shoe a horse and he was getting a bit frustrated when Joe [old guy] tells him, “Better slow down there, young fella.” J.T. reply: “What difference does it make?” Joe: “Well, see, if you take your time… you get a more harmonious outcome.” Most of the time, we get better results when we slow down, pray, gather facts and study the situation before we act. A good coach might go for it on 4th down occasionally but most of the time, he will punt and wait for a better opportunity. I know we can be too cautious but it’s better to err on the side of caution than that of haste.

We made another quick trip to Vandy yesterday and it seems that Jim is improving daily. We had a really good visit and no problems on the road which is always good. Then we attended Harold Thompson’s COLS. I need to say a word of appreciation in behalf of Harold. He helped me keep my kids in cars. I know I bought three Honda’s from him, maybe four. He was a good man. When I first got to know Harold, he loved to crappie fish in Flint Creek and he was good. He went every Saturday, rain, shine or snow. His oldest daughter Tammy has worked for DBC for more than 20 years. Probably closer to thirty than twenty. I do appreciate what Tammy has done for the church. She has been a very valuable employee. Our sympathy to Tammy and all the family. Harold was dearly loved and he will be missed. Mike and Sammy did a good job with service and family singing was a real blessing. I could hear Lynett and Monday–it was beautiful.

Michael and Terry got our grill finished. I will have it at the Church Sunday. I will park it under one of the back awnings. Check it out–it is state of the art.

SEC 4-0 but too many commercials–I can’t take it.

 

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