Proverbs 19:2
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Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
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For both ignorance and haste are condemned by our proverb, which mark them as traits of the fool, carried over from the previous proverb by "also." Before decisions are made and actions started, the Preacher requires careful study. Haste does make waste! If others tease you for being cautious and wanting to know more, ignore the lunatics!
Fools have no heart for learning (17:16), and they are impulsive by nature. They rush decisions and actions without knowing the facts, and they are justly punished. Wise men do not believe everything (14:15); and they do not rush into anything (14:29; 18:13; 25:8). They look ahead and see what could happen (22:3; 27:12). But fools rush to pain!
The New Testament also teaches knowledge and caution. Paul condemns ignorance, as he requires the proving of all things (I Thess 5:21; Acts 17:11). Wise men examine matters in all directions - they are circumspect (Eph 5:15-17). And he warned about haste as the sin heady of the perilous times of the last days (II Tim 3:4).
Our generation commends marriages on emotion alone; but our proverb demands that there be knowledge as well. How many divorces and dysfunctional marriages could have been avoided by learning more about the other party? And when haste is added to mere emotion, folly and its deserved pain will follow. Fifty years in marital hell is a long time!
Parents, especially fathers, should rule dating and courting. And they should be actively involved in the proving process. A young, single person does not have a clue about marriage, and he or she needs the combined wisdom and experience of their parents to save them from great pain. To rush into such an abyss impatiently is the height of folly.
Others make investment and business decisions by foolish optimism rather than prudent caution and wise counsel. And they are punished for them. Hard work in a boring job always works better than hastily following vain ideas (12:11; 21:5; 28:19,22).
Many join churches without examining them by Scripture out of laziness or to please friends or family. Pastors preach things they have not thoroughly studied. But when the Lord sees such ignorant haste in His worship, He blinds to the truth and sends delusions and lies (II Thess 2:9-12). Ignorant haste in religion is a horrible, compound sin!
If ignorance is bliss, it is only so in matters of liberty (I Cor 10:25-27) and sin (Rom 16:19). And if haste is a virtue, it is only so in matters of obedience to God (Ps 119:60).
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