Haste Makes Waste
Proverbs 19:2 (NLT) “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Have you ever been in situations where your emotions are elevated, e.g., Angry, insulted, betrayed, and a major decision is needed? Or maybe you’re in an opposite situation, where everything is jovial. Or how about another angle where your emotions are in a state of utter fear, anxiety, and near panic? In either case, you are trying to make decisions, but your emotions aren’t at their normal level.
Although we are human beings filled with emotions, we must learn why God gave us emotions. For example, imagine your car has lights and indicators that tell you what is going on inside. If your oil pressure is low, the oil indicator light comes on. If your tire pressure is low, you get another light shaped like a tire to tell you something is wrong. I think you understand where I am going with this example. Emotions indicate what is going on in your mind and spirit. There are three ways emotions can change:
- Hearing new information from an external source. (Isaiah 53:1)
- Changing your mind. (Romans 12:2)
- God pouring his mercy and grace directly into your mind and spirit. (Ephesians 4:7)
Emotions can change at any time, from any source, external or internal. Here is something to take seriously to heart:
- Never make a major decision based on emotions.
Even if you feel good about something emotionally, check the facts. The second part of the scripture above clearly states that haste (taking action) causes mistakes. But that happens when you lack knowledge or information. Ever heard of the saying, “…it is better to make an informed decision?” Here is another way of reading the same scripture:
- If you act impulsively based on your emotions without the facts, you will make mistakes.
The best way to prevent this from happening is Prayer, Patience, and Time. Pray to God by letting Him know the situation. Let Him know how you feel right now. Tell Him that you trust Him. Tell Him that you will wait for His direction. Tell yourself you will calm down and wait for God’s answer. Sometimes the enemy floods your mind with so much emotional noise that he doesn’t want you to hear from God. One of the worst feelings is regret. Making a big decision, only to later find out it was the wrong one. Then you realize that your emotions are now calm, your head is clear, and you see the facts. That’s why you should never make a decision when your emotions are elevated.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright September 19th, 2026, All Rights Reserved