Over-hasty:
Surely there’s no advantage for a person without knowledge, and whoever moves too quickly misses the turn.
In other words, enthusiasm without knowledge is not good.
If we act too quickly, we might make a mistake.
Ignorant zeal is worthless – haste makes waste.
Some years ago, when satellite navigation technology was first out, Rachel and I were travelling through the Lake District, and as you’ve guessed, we were using our brand new gadget.
Initially, we thought it was easy to use.
The clues to the way ahead seemed to appear before us like magic.
We thought we had it sorted.
Well, that’s what we thought.
In retrospect, we began to realise how pointless it was by racing ahead – for in our enthusiasm we misinterpreted what the satnav map was actually saying.
You see, as we journeyed along the country lane, we were warned that we would encounter a sharp right-hand bend, and coinciding with this, we needed to take a right turn.
This we did. But in our enthusiasm, we ended up driving along a very narrow, very bumpy, dusty farm-yard track, with dry grass and wild flowers growing down the centre!
It’s a wonder we didn’t see any chickens!
But once we kissed the overgrown hedgerow, we had to breathe in.
It was either that, or reverse!
So, that’s what we did.
Reverse!
Looking back: inadvertently, we had turned right too quickly!
Far too quickly!
We had gone the wrong way!
I guess, sometimes it’s good to have strong feelings, but as this proverb indicates, enthusiasm without knowledge can cause us to miss the “right” turning.
So, this got me a thinking, again.
Many of us are compelled by feelings alone.
Some go after things they want with a defiant disregard for danger or consequences.
I’m sure you’ve met them.
Maybe this sounds like your experience.
Unfortunately though, if we are compelled by such strong emotion – we often end up making lousy choices.
For instance, those who are compelled by feelings alone, will often be susceptible to walking away from friendships on impulse.
They will act unpredictably – and more from whim than from reason or sound judgment.
They constantly have a very strong or irresistible desire to do something totally different.
Frequently, they have seen the “greener grass,” but most concerning of all, they are oblivious to the sizzling track of wild destruction left behind them!
As we consider this, perhaps we should examine ourselves.
Yes, ourselves!
Our own hearts and minds.
Our own actions and reactions.
For as another proverb suggests, let’s guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with our lives – don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
And keep note, we need both enthusiasm and knowledge to make good decisions – as we do not want to miss the right turning.
Okay, we may have a lot of intense emotion: we may be overflowing with enthusiasm and positive feelings of wanting to push ahead with something.
But, know this, the most inevitable way for things to go wrong is a lack of knowledge.
Sure-enough, a lack of information can lead to a lack of success in many avenues.
Think about it!
And write this down:
Plans fall apart without proper advice – but with the right guidance, they come together nicely.
Yes, that’s right!
Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail – take good counsel and watch them succeed.
Don’t rush about hastily in an undignified way!
Don’t be in such a hurry!
If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.
But rather, as you gradually move forward, pray that God will fill your good ideas and acts of faith with His own energy so that it all amounts to something.
Remember, if your life honours the name of Jesus, He will honour you.
So, trust Him from the bottom of your heart – don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go – He’s the one who will keep you on track. .
Don’t assume that you know it all!
Now dear friend, if this message has encouraged you, please click the recommend button found before this post.
Thank you.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour: .
Proverbs 3:5-7
Proverbs 3:21
Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 19:2
2 Thessalonians 1:11
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