Do you see someone hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than him. Proverbs 29:20, TLV
Haste Makes Mistakes. What is the definition of a hasty person? Someone who makes a fast, and typically superficial decision, action, or opinion. In today’s proverb King Solomon pronounces one of the worst titles on the person who is too hasty with his words. They’re worse than a fool.
He has even more to say about this in Ecclesiastes 5:1-6, especially verse one:
“Do not be quick with your mouth
nor hasty in your heart
to utter a word in God’s presence.
For God is in heaven,
and you are on the earth—
therefore, let your words be few.”
Making hasty decisions generally means we’re not seeking advice from wise counselors (Proverbs 1:5; 19:20; 24:3,6), which isn’t scriptural or wise.
One of the most common ways we can be too hasty with words is in generalizing about anything. A generalization is a conclusion based on biased evidence and limited experience.
Stereotypes and racial prejudices are based on hasty generalizations.
The Bible teaches us that wisdom takes time — a lifetime. Knowledge takes time and effort. Discernment takes time as well as exercising knowledge and listening to the Holy Spirit’s direction. Understanding takes time and experience with the practical use of knowledge and wisdom. In other words, wisdom doesn’t happen in a hasty fashion.
Making sure we do not pronounce generalizations about people is so important, especially if we, as the Body of Messiah, want a fighting chance for unity or for someone to be open to the Good News.
Our credibility can be questioned if our generalizations prove to be wrong.
To avoid making, spreading, or believing hasty generalizations we must analyze our own or others’ opinions. Look for evidence — especially in GOD’s word.
They say there are always two sides to a story. As flawed human beings, the truth often is somewhere in between.
May we take the time to seek the truth, my friends.
How do you keep from making hasty decisions and generalizations?
Thank you for your support and for your encouragement. As always, I love your comments and insights. And thanks for the shares.
