Proverbs 19:2
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֤ם
H1571
גַּ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּלֹא
H3808
בְּלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
Also that the soul
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
Also that the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ט֑וֹב
it is not good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
it is not good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
6 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְאָ֖ץ
and he that hasteth
H213
וְאָ֖ץ
and he that hasteth
Strong's:
H213
Word #:
7 of 9
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
Cross References
Proverbs 21:5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Proverbs 29:20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Romans 10:2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.John 16:3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Proverbs 28:20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.Proverbs 28:22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.Ecclesiastes 12:9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Historical Context
Religious zealots in Israel's history often erred through passion untempered by wisdom (Saul's rash vow, 1 Samuel 14:24). Genuine devotion requires both fervent heart and informed mind.
Questions for Reflection
- Where does your zeal outpace your knowledge, leading to error?
- How can you ensure your passion for God is guided by sound biblical understanding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zeal without knowledge is dangerous—enthusiasm uninformed by truth leads to sin. Hasty feet (impulsive action) miss the way. This cautions against activistic Christianity lacking theological depth. Right knowledge must precede and guide right action, or we err despite good intentions.