Proverbs 19:2

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark). (Amplified Bible)

How often are we guilty of “missing the mark” by acting impulsively.

There are many applications of this scripture. Below are a few:

Do you know someone who got married and now regrets it? If they had just taken their time to get to know the other person better, or had chosen not to ignore the “warning signs”, they wouldn’t be in the mess they are in now.

Do you know someone who got angry at their boss or co-workers and just quit their job…without a plan. Now they are struggling financially. They are also struggling in their their close relationships. The whole family is on edge.

Do you know someone who got a divorce without seeking to reconcile and now are dealing with the affects on their children? Their anger over their parent’s divorce manifests itself at home, school and even among friends.

Do you know someone who got deep into drugs and alcohol and now are hooked? All they had to do was look at all the entertainers who ruined their lives due to drugs and alcohol.

Do you know someone who got into business or partnership with someone on a business deal and now regrets it? They moved without doing their “homework”.

Do you know someone who walked away from the Lord and now is paying a price? If only they had realized that the “fun” doesn’t last forever, and that there are consequences to “fun”.

There are many more examples but I think the point is made. Sometimes we move impulsively without thinking through the situation thoroughly. There are always consequences to our actions (or inactions). Before we act, we need to take some time to see past the current moment. We can’t control all aspects of of life, but overall we may be able to lessen the severity of negative consequences by not being so impulsive.