Journal Prov 21 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “A wicked man puts on a bold face but the upright gives thought to his ways.” Prov 21:29
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Prov 21:5
Observation: Wisdom concerning the speed of our society, yes? This reflects culture that is contrary to our current worldview.
Application: Speed, speed, and more speed. “Faster”, it is said, “go faster.”
This is kind of neat when talking about cars, airplanes, and boats. Also neat is the speed of computers and that kind of stuff. The new Corvette was presented on Thursday and it looks cool and supposedly will perform with the top performance cars of today—no matter what the cost.
Baseball pitchers have increased pitch speeds from the low 90’s 5-6 years ago to today’s average of 98-101 miles per hour. Incredible.
But what is the downside to “faster?” If we give it any kind of objective thought one huge result is…decreased reaction time—the faster I go, the less time I have to react to do anything, good or bad.
I read verse 29 and I see a guy who is not taking time to think so that he can react promptly; putting on a bold face (faking the decision) without considering consequences and the Holy Spirit calls that wicked. Verse 5 adds that hasty decisions results in poverty.
So let me review: A bold face without thinking is wicked. Hasty decisions result in poverty.
I have been in that position: putting on a bold face in a negotiation just to get my way. Doesn’t matter what the “negotiation” was—it could have been digging my heels is on a certain subject. What does matter is whatever I did I did without thinking, only reacting.
The old pop song “Slow down, you’re going too fast…” has strong biblical truth behind it.
Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is made ready for the day of battle…” Do I want to react well in an ever faster environment? Prepare first. Look to being diligent and not hasty; upright and not wicked. Don’t be afraid of slow; don’t let the exasperation of other folks intimidate.
Think first.
Prayer: Lord, a wise man ponders his ways and submits action to You. This is a cobbled up sort of proverb but has a speck of truth. I don’t want to go off half-cocked at any time. If I am continually preparing my heart with Your word, precepts, principles, doctrine; if understanding is my close friend then I will be adequately prepared for this time. I realize that this drawing close in knowledge and understanding is a lifelong process. Help me not to coast. AMEN.