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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 19:2 Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_19_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 19:2 - The Man of Integrity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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haste makes mistakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Also, <i>that</i> the soul <i>be</i> without knowledge, <i>it is</i> not good; and he that hasteth with <i>his</i> feet sinneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also it is not good <i>for</i> a soul <i>to be</i> without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with <i>his</i> feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And one who hurries his footsteps errs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who makes haste with his feet errs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Willingness and stupidity don't go well together. If you are too eager, you will miss the road. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person without knowledge is no good. A person in a hurry makes mistakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; impatience will get you into trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Furthermore, it isn't good to be ignorant, and whoever rushes into things misses the mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, "" And the hasty in feet is sinning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Also, without knowledge the soul is not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Also the soul without knowledge is not good, and he hastening with his feat, sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good: and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Desire without knowledge is not good; and whoever acts hastily, blunders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who has no knowledge of his own soul, it is not good for him; and he who is hasty with his feet sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It is not good for him that does not know his soul, and he that is hasty with his feet sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/19-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3701" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">The Man of Integrity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Even</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">zeal</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: bə·lō- (Prep-b:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏa·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge,</a> <a href="/hebrew/213.htm" title="213: wə·’āṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To press, be pressed, make haste. A primitive root; to press; to be close, hurry, withdraw.">and he who hurries</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: bə·raḡ·la·yim (Prep-b:: N-fd) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">his footsteps</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥō·w·ṭê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">misses the mark.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:1</a></span><br />Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Isaiah 5:13</a></span><br />Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></span><br />“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">2 Peter 1:5-6</a></span><br />For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-66.htm">Psalm 119:66</a></span><br />Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hastens with his feet sins.</p><p class="hdg">that the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21</a></b></br> The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:9</a></b></br> And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, <i>and</i> set in order many proverbs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/27-11.htm">Isaiah 27:11</a></b></br> When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, <i>and</i> set them on fire: for it <i>is</i> a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.</p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Proverbs 1:16</a></b></br> For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Proverbs 21:5</a></b></br> The thoughts of the diligent <i>tend</i> only to plenteousness; but of every one <i>that is</i> hasty only to want.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/95-10.htm">Errs</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-11.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Footsteps</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Further</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/job/5-24.htm">Miss</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Misses</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Missing</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">One's</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Over-Quick</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-32.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/119-139.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-20.htm">Errs</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Footsteps</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Further</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-16.htm">Miss</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Misses</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-16.htm">Missing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-19.htm">One's</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Over-Quick</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Life and Conduct</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Even zeal is no good without knowledge</b><br>Zeal, or passionate enthusiasm, is often seen as a positive trait in the Bible, but it must be guided by knowledge to be truly effective. In the context of ancient Israel, zeal without knowledge could lead to misguided actions, as seen in the story of Saul before he became Paul (<a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3-4</a>). His fervor for the Jewish law led him to persecute Christians until he gained true knowledge through his encounter with Christ. This phrase emphasizes the importance of aligning one's passion with a correct understanding of God's will, as seen in <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a>, where a lack of knowledge leads to destruction. The balance of zeal and knowledge is crucial for living a life that honors God.<p><b>and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark</b><br>This phrase warns against impulsive actions and decisions. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, haste was often associated with folly. The Hebrew concept of "missing the mark" is akin to sin, as seen in the original meaning of the word "sin" in Hebrew, which is "chata" (to miss the mark). This phrase suggests that rushing into decisions without careful consideration and guidance from God can lead to sin and failure. The story of King Saul's impatience in <a href="/1_samuel/13-8.htm">1 Samuel 13:8-14</a> serves as a historical example, where his hasty decision to offer a sacrifice without waiting for Samuel led to his downfall. This principle is echoed in <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry," highlighting the value of patience and discernment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_and_the_foolish.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></b><br>Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who do not.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_balance_of_zeal_and_knowledge.htm">The Balance of Zeal and Knowledge</a></b><br>Zeal, or passionate enthusiasm, is commendable but must be guided by knowledge. Without understanding, zeal can lead to misguided actions and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_hasty_decisions.htm">The Dangers of Hasty Decisions</a></b><br>Rushing into decisions without proper knowledge or consideration can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Patience and discernment are crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment_in_daily_life.htm">The Role of Discernment in Daily Life</a></b><br>Discernment helps in making informed decisions that align with God's will, preventing the pitfalls of acting on impulse.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intentional_living.htm">The Importance of Intentional Living</a></b><br>Living intentionally involves aligning one's actions with God's wisdom, ensuring that zeal is directed towards fulfilling God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'i_shall_not_be_moved'_mean.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'A prophet lacks honor'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_were_the_children's_crusades.htm">What were the Children's Crusades about?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_should_few_aspire_to_be_teachers.htm">Why should few aspire to be teachers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_waiting.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on waiting?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good.</span>--Ignorance is bad, as well as folly.<p><span class= "bld">He that hasteth with his feet sinneth.--</span>Haste without knowledge misses the mark aimed at. (See above on <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm" title="But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death.">Proverbs 8:36</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good.</span> "Also" (<span class="accented">gam</span>), Wordsworth would render "even," "even the soul, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> life itself, without knowledge is not a blessing;" it is <span class="greek">βίπς οὐ βιωτός</span>. At first sight it looks as if some verse, to which this one was appended, had fallen out; but there is no trace in the versions of any such loss. We have had a verse beginning in the same manner (<a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Proverbs 17:26</a>), and here it seems to emphasize what follows - folly is bad, so is ignorance, when the soul lacks knowledge, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> when a man does not know what to do, how to act in the circumstances of his life, has in fact no practical wisdom. Other things "not good" are named in <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Proverbs 18:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Proverbs 24:23</a>. And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth; misseth his way. Delitzsch confines the meaning of this hemistich to the undisciplined pursuit of knowledge: "He who hasteneth with the legs after it goeth astray," because he is neither intellectually nor morally clear as to his path or object. But the gnome is better taken in a more general sense. The ignorant man, who acts hastily without due deliberation, is sure to make grave mistakes, and to come to misfortune. Haste is opposed to knowledge, because the latter involves prudence and circumspection, while the former blunders on hurriedly, not seeing whither actions lead. We all have occasion to note the proverbs, <span class="accented">Festina lente</span>; "More haste, less speed." The history of Fabius, who, as Ennius said, <p><span class="accented">"Unus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem,"</span> <p>shows the value of deliberation and caution. The Greeks recognized this - <p><span class="greek">Προπέτεια πολλοῖς ἐστὶν αἰτία κακῶν</span>. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/19-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">zeal</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֣פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is no</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge,</span><br /><span class="heb">דַ֣עַת</span> <span class="translit">(ḏa·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he who hurries</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָ֖ץ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’āṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_213.htm">Strong's 213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To press, to be close, hurry, withdraw</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his footsteps</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרַגְלַ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·raḡ·la·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">misses the mark.</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹטֵֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·ṭê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 19:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 19:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>