Proverbs 19:2 kjv

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Proverbs 19:2 nkjv

Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

Proverbs 19:2 niv

Desire without knowledge is not good? how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

Proverbs 19:2 esv

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

Proverbs 19:2 nlt

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 2 Meaning

Proverbs 19:2 presents a two-part wisdom aphorism. Firstly, it declares that for a soul to be without spiritual discernment and understanding is not merely disadvantageous but deeply detrimental. Lack of genuine knowledge, especially knowledge of God's ways and wisdom, leads to spiritual and moral peril. Secondly, the verse cautions against impulsive action, stating that one who rushes or acts without careful thought invariably commits error or falls into sin. The two clauses are implicitly linked, suggesting that a deficiency in wisdom often directly results in reckless behavior.

Proverbs 19 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 19 is a collection of various independent proverbs, typical of wisdom literature. Many verses within this chapter contrast wisdom with folly, diligence with sloth, and justice with injustice, often highlighting the consequences of one's actions and character. This particular verse fits seamlessly into this thematic framework by emphasizing the critical role of discernment and caution in navigating life. The verse addresses both an internal state (lack of knowledge) and an external action (hasty feet), underscoring the interconnectedness of one's inner wisdom and outward conduct within God's moral order. Historically, the audience would be familiar with the practical implications of wisdom for successful communal and personal living within a covenant relationship with God.

Proverbs 19 2 Word analysis

• gam (גַּם): "Also," "even." It serves as a connective, linking this statement to preceding wisdom insights, or emphasizing an additional important truth. It highlights the weighty nature of the counsel that follows.
• bela' da'at (בְּלֹא־ דַעַת): "Without knowledge."
  • bela' (בְּלֹא־): "Without," indicating a lack or absence.
  • da'at (דַּעַת): Knowledge. In Proverbs, this is not merely intellectual accumulation of facts, but profound moral and spiritual discernment. It is the experiential knowledge of God's ways, His character, and His moral will. It implies understanding and application, distinguishing good from evil, wise from foolish. It flows from the "fear of the Lord" (Prv 1:7).
• nefesh (נֶפֶשׁ): "Soul," "life," "person," "inner being." This word often denotes the whole person, the seat of appetites, passions, emotions, and life itself. For the "soul" to be without knowledge means the entire being is spiritually and morally bankrupt, leading to a profound deficiency, not just intellectual ignorance.
• lo- tov (לֹא־ טוֹב): "Not good," "bad," "detrimental," "unprofitable." This phrase signifies that the state described is harmful, destructive, or goes against what is wholesome and God-approved. It implies a condition leading to adverse outcomes and displeasure from the Divine.
• ve'atz (וְאָץ): "And he that hastens," "and who rushes."
  • ve' (וְ): "And," linking the two clauses.
  • atz (אָץ): To hasten, rush, act impulsively or impatiently. This refers to an unthinking, imprudent speed, driven by shortsightedness, impatience, or greed, rather than diligence or thoughtful speed. It implies acting without careful deliberation or weighing consequences.
• beraglayim (בְּרַגְלַיִם): "With his feet."
  • be (בְּ): "With," "by."
  • raglayim (רַגְלַיִם): "Feet." Metaphorically represents action, conduct, steps, progress, or the direction of one's life. "Hasting with one's feet" denotes rushing into action or pursuing a path without due thought.
• chote' (חוֹטֶא): "Sins," "commits error," "misses the mark." The root `chata'` (חטא) means to miss a target, fall short, or deviate from a path. Here, it indicates that acting impulsively or rashly will inevitably lead one away from the path of righteousness and into error, wrongdoing, or an unfortunate outcome.

• "that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good": This phrase highlights that the absence of spiritual and moral discernment affects the entire person. It's not merely intellectual deficit but a deep internal lack that jeopardizes well-being and spiritual life, leading to decisions contrary to God's wisdom. This knowledge (da'at) is vital for true human flourishing and avoiding destruction.
• "he that hastens with his feet sins": This phrase directly links impulsive, rash action with sin and error. Acting hastily signifies a lack of careful consideration, patience, and reliance on wisdom, often born out of fear, impatience, greed, or presumption. Such impetuousness bypasses God's counsel and the wisdom that guides one to the right path, thus inevitably resulting in a deviation from His will or missing the desired good outcome. The feet are symbolic of one's journey and actions, thus acting 'with the feet' denotes immediate physical engagement without forethought.

Proverbs 19 2 Bonus section

This verse implies a clear divine order where prudence and informed decision-making are valued over impetuousness. It speaks to the human tendency towards acting before thinking, especially when driven by self-will or lack of patience. The Bible consistently presents God as orderly and purposeful, expecting His children to reflect these attributes. This proverb can be understood as a call to seek divine counsel, cultivate inner wisdom through studying God's Word, and allow such wisdom to guide one's steps, thereby avoiding the painful consequences of rashness. It underscores that spiritual maturity is demonstrated not only by what one knows but also by how one acts upon that knowledge (or lack thereof).

Proverbs 19 2 Commentary

Proverbs 19:2 concisely yet powerfully conveys two intertwined truths essential for living wisely: the vital necessity of true knowledge and the peril of thoughtless haste. The first part, "that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good," speaks to the internal state. "Knowledge" here is not just information but spiritual understanding and discernment that transforms the inner person. To lack such knowledge leaves one vulnerable to error, destruction, and separation from the path of life. The "soul" refers to one's very essence, indicating that this deficit cripples the entire being. The second part, "and he that hastens with his feet sins," addresses the outward manifestation. When the inner soul is devoid of true knowledge, the outward actions become impulsive and reckless. Acting in haste, without proper consideration, counsel, or prayer, leads to missing the mark of righteousness, resulting in error or sin. The proverb therefore calls for a cultivated understanding of God's wisdom and a thoughtful, measured approach to life's decisions, rather than yielding to immediate impulses or external pressures.