The Problem with Fast Feet (Proverbs 19:2)
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Proverbs 19:2
A soul without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
What a verse this is.
The first half grabs the missionary in me – and maybe in you too – because as Christians, we believe it is not good for a soul made by God to go without knowledge of Him. That’s why we send missionaries. It’s why we fund them. It’s why we should be making Jesus known not just across the globe, but right up the street.
But this isn’t just about unreached people groups – it’s about us too.
“A soul without knowledge…”
That word “soul” can also mean “desire” in Hebrew, which fits here.
The point is: desire without wisdom is dangerous.
It leads to poor judgment. It’s like flooring the gas pedal when you don’t know where you’re going. In other words, it leads to the haste we see in the second half of the verse.
“…and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.”
Joshua offended here. He made a treaty with the Gibeonites without seeking God’s counsel (Joshua 9:14–15). Saul offended here. He offered a sacrifice in fear, not waiting for Samuel as instructed (1 Samuel 13:12). David offended here. He believed Ziba’s story about Mephibosheth without verifying the facts (2 Samuel 16:3–4). And so have we.
This one hits home for me today. I’ve been tempted to rush some housing decisions, trying to make things happen on my timeline. And as I sat with this verse, I realized something: haste is rarely holy.
In fact, you know who never rushed? Jesus.
The most urgent mission in human history – and not once do we see Him sprinting. Not once does He run to a meeting or panic over a deadline. He walked. Everywhere. Unhurried. Peaceful. Present.
And here I am thinking speed is my savior.
It would do us well to live like Him, wouldn’t it?
So today’s invitation is simple: slow down.
Desire is good. But desire without wisdom is dangerous. And speed without God’s direction? That’s just aimless energy.
Ask yourself:
Where have I been rushing ahead without seeking God’s wisdom?
What’s driving my hurry – faith, or fear?
Where is God inviting me to slow down and walk with Him?
Whatever came to mind as we dove into this verse – whether it’s a decision you’re rushing, a desire that feels urgent, or just the simple longing to walk more like Jesus – let’s pray for that.
