Proverbs 19:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Also, that the soul {H5315} be without knowledge {H1847}, it is not good {H2896}; and he that hasteth {H213} with his feet {H7272} sinneth {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To act without knowing how you function is not good; and if you rush ahead, you will miss your goal.

Berean Standard Bible

Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:2 presents a dual warning from the wisdom tradition: first, that a life or soul devoid of true knowledge and discernment is inherently detrimental, leading to undesirable outcomes; and second, that impulsive, hasty action, undertaken without careful thought or deliberation, inevitably results in error or moral transgression. The verse thus champions the pursuit of understanding and the practice of patience as foundational for a righteous and flourishing life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19:2 is situated within a larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-29) that contrast the paths of wisdom and folly, diligence and laziness, and the consequences of various human choices. This particular verse stands as a concise, two-part maxim, typical of the book's structure, offering a direct observation on human behavior and its spiritual implications. It immediately follows a proverb about the poor man's dependence on the rich ([Proverbs 19:1](/proverbs/19-1 "Proverbs 19:1 - The Poor and the Rich")) and precedes a series of sayings concerning human folly, divine sovereignty, and the value of kindness ([Proverbs 19:3-6](/proverbs/19-3 "Proverbs 19:3-6 - Folly, Sovereignty, and Kindness")). The verse's emphasis on knowledge and prudence aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of the book of Proverbs: to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding for righteous living.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, though uniquely rooted in the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for navigating life, rooted in the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). Knowledge was acquired through observation, instruction (especially from parents and elders), and divine revelation. Haste, in this cultural context, often implied a lack of respect for established processes, a disregard for counsel, or an impatience that could lead to social or legal missteps. The agricultural and communal nature of Israelite society meant that impulsive decisions could have far-reaching negative consequences for individuals and the community, underscoring the value of careful deliberation and sound judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:2 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **indispensability of true knowledge and discernment** (Hebrew: *da'ath*), which is presented not as mere factual information, but as a deep, practical understanding of moral and spiritual truths, enabling one to live wisely in God's world. This theme resonates with the call to "get wisdom" found in passages like [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). Secondly, the verse addresses the **peril of impulsivity and rash action**, emphasizing that acting without forethought or patience leads to error and sin. This warning against haste is a recurring motif, contrasting with the virtue of diligence and careful planning, as seen in [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence vs. Haste"). Ultimately, the verse underscores the **consequences of choices**, demonstrating that both a lack of understanding and a tendency towards impulsivity inevitably lead to detrimental outcomes, reinforcing the book's central message that righteous living is a path of wisdom, while folly leads to destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** Derived from the root *yada*, meaning "to know," *daʻath* in Proverbs signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies a deep, practical, and experiential understanding, often with moral and spiritual discernment. It is the ability to apply truth, make wise judgments, and navigate life's complexities in accordance with God's ways. A "soul without knowledge" is thus a life lacking this vital, guiding discernment, leading to error and undesirable outcomes.
* **Hasteth (Hebrew, _ʼûwts'_):** This primitive root conveys the idea of pressing, hurrying, or being narrow. When applied to action, as in "hasteth with his feet," it vividly portrays someone who rushes impulsively, without careful thought, patience, or seeking proper counsel. It denotes an eagerness or impatience that overrides prudence, leading to ill-considered decisions and actions.
* **Sinneth (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to miss the mark" or "to err." While it can certainly refer to moral transgression against God, in this context, it broadly encompasses making mistakes, going astray, or failing to achieve a desired or righteous outcome due to faulty judgment or impulsive action. The consequence of haste is to "miss the mark" of wisdom and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good":** This opening clause establishes a fundamental principle: a life or a person (represented by "soul," *nephesh*, signifying the whole being) that lacks true, discerning knowledge is in an undesirable and detrimental state. The phrase "not good" (*lo-ṭôwb*) is an emphatic declaration, indicating that such a condition leads to negative consequences, poor decisions, and a failure to thrive in wisdom and righteousness. It implies that knowledge is essential for a life that is truly beneficial, upright, and flourishing.
* **"and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth":** The second clause introduces a distinct but related warning. It describes an individual who acts impulsively, rushing into situations or decisions without proper deliberation, patience, or seeking guidance. The imagery of "hasteth with his feet" vividly portrays a physical manifestation of impatience and lack of forethought. The consequence of such haste is that the person "sinneth" (*châṭâʼ*), meaning they miss the mark, make errors, or fall into moral or practical pitfalls. This highlights the danger of impulsivity in leading one away from the path of wisdom and righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:2 employs several effective literary devices to convey its dual message. The primary structure is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, though subtly nuanced. While not directly contrasting the two clauses, they present two distinct yet interconnected dangers to wise living: a lack of knowledge and impulsive action, both leading to negative outcomes. The verse also uses **Metonymy** when referring to "the soul" (*nephesh*) to represent the entire person or one's inner being, emphasizing that the deficiency of knowledge affects one's whole existence. The phrase "hasteth with his feet" is a vivid **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, concretely illustrating the abstract concept of impulsivity through physical movement, making the warning more tangible and relatable. The use of "not good" is a form of **Litotes**, stating a positive by denying its opposite, thereby emphasizing the profoundly negative consequences of lacking knowledge. Together, these devices contribute to the proverb's memorable and impactful delivery of timeless wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological thrust of Proverbs 19:2 is profound, asserting that both intellectual and spiritual discernment are indispensable for a life aligned with God's will, and that impulsive action is antithetical to divine wisdom. The "knowledge" spoken of is not merely factual data, but a practical understanding of God's moral order and how to live within it. To be without such knowledge is to be ill-equipped for righteous living, prone to error and spiritual blindness. Furthermore, the warning against haste underscores God's call for prudence, patience, and reliance on His timing and guidance rather than human impetuosity. This verse implicitly teaches that true wisdom involves both careful thought and deliberate action, reflecting the character of a God who is orderly and purposeful. It connects to the broader biblical emphasis on seeking God's wisdom, trusting His leading, and avoiding the pitfalls of human shortsightedness and self-reliance.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence vs. Haste")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:2 offers timeless and profound guidance for navigating the complexities of modern life. In an age saturated with information yet often lacking true discernment, the call to acquire "knowledge" is more critical than ever. This isn't just about accumulating facts, but about cultivating a spiritual and moral compass rooted in God's Word, enabling us to distinguish truth from error, wisdom from folly, and righteous paths from destructive ones. Furthermore, the warning against haste speaks directly to a culture that often glorifies speed and instant gratification. We are frequently pressured to make quick decisions, respond immediately, and act without adequate reflection. This proverb reminds us that such impulsivity, whether in relationships, finances, career, or spiritual matters, often leads to regrettable outcomes. True wisdom calls for patience, prayerful consideration, seeking counsel, and allowing God's Spirit to guide our steps, ensuring that our actions are deliberate, purposeful, and aligned with His will. Embracing this wisdom fosters a life of greater peace, fewer regrets, and deeper alignment with divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I most often find myself acting without sufficient knowledge or understanding?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a deeper, more discerning knowledge of God's Word and His ways?**
* **What are common situations where I tend to "hasten with my feet," and what negative consequences have resulted from this impulsivity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to slow down, seek counsel, and pray before making significant decisions?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "knowledge" is Proverbs 19:2 referring to?**

Answer: The "knowledge" (Hebrew: *daʻath*) in Proverbs 19:2 is not merely intellectual information or academic learning. Instead, it refers to a comprehensive, practical, and moral discernment—an understanding of God's truth and how to apply it to daily life. It encompasses wisdom, insight, and the ability to make sound judgments that align with divine principles. It's the kind of knowledge that leads to righteous living and is often contrasted with foolishness throughout the book of Proverbs, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**Why is "haste" considered a sin or error in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs, "haste" (Hebrew: *ʼûwts*) implies acting impulsively, without careful thought, patience, or seeking wise counsel. It's not about being efficient, but about being rash. Such actions are prone to error because they bypass the necessary process of deliberation, prayer, and seeking wisdom. The consequence of "sinneth" (Hebrew: *châṭâʼ*) means to "miss the mark" or "err," indicating that impulsive behavior inevitably leads to mistakes, regrettable outcomes, or deviation from the right path, whether practically or morally. This is echoed in [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence vs. Haste"), which contrasts the thoughts of the diligent with the haste of the impulsive.

**Does this verse mean that all quick decisions are bad?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn all quick decisions, especially those made out of necessity or in situations where immediate action is required. Rather, it warns against habitual impulsivity, rashness, and acting without proper knowledge or discernment. The emphasis is on the *lack of thoughtful consideration* that often accompanies haste, leading to errors. A wise person can make quick decisions when necessary, but those decisions are often informed by a deep reservoir of knowledge and discernment cultivated over time, unlike the "hasteth with his feet" described here, which implies a lack of such foundation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine knowledge and the perfect example of deliberate action. He is the very **Wisdom of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Unlike humanity, whose "soul is without knowledge" leading to error, Christ possessed perfect understanding of the Father's will and purpose, never acting impulsively but always with divine foresight and perfect timing. His life was marked by intentionality, from His early commitment to His Father's business ([Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple")) to His deliberate journey to Jerusalem to face the cross ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). He never "hasteth with His feet" in a way that led to sin or error; rather, His every step was purposeful, fulfilling prophecy and accomplishing redemption. For believers, true knowledge is found in knowing Christ ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Knowing Christ as Supreme")), and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are granted discernment and empowered to walk not in haste or folly, but in the wisdom and deliberate obedience that characterized our Savior, enabling us to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise" ([Ephesians 5:15](/ephesians/5-15 "Ephesians 5:15 - Walk as Wise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 21:5

¶ The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

Proverbs 29:20

¶ Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Romans 10:2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Hosea 4:6

¶ My 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.

John 16:3

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore 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.