Proverbs 19:2
New International Version
Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

New Living Translation
Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

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

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

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

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

New American Standard Bible
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And one who hurries his footsteps errs.

NASB 1995
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs.

NASB 1977
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who makes haste with his feet errs.

Legacy Standard Bible
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps sins.

Amplified Bible
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).

Christian Standard Bible
Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.

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

Contemporary English Version
Willingness and stupidity don't go well together. If you are too eager, you will miss the road.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A person without knowledge is no good. A person in a hurry makes mistakes.

Good News Translation
Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; impatience will get you into trouble.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, it isn't good to be ignorant, and whoever rushes into things misses the mark.

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

NET Bible
It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.

New Heart English Bible
It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.

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

World English Bible
It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, "" And the hasty in feet is sinning.

Young's Literal Translation
Also, without knowledge the soul is not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.

Smith's Literal Translation
Also the soul without knowledge is not good, and he hastening with his feat, sins.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good: and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.

New American Bible
Desire without knowledge is not good; and whoever acts hastily, blunders.

New Revised Standard Version
Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who has no knowledge of his own soul, it is not good for him; and he who is hasty with his feet sins.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It is not good for him that does not know his soul, and he that is hasty with his feet sins.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Man of Integrity
1Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. 2Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark. 3A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.…

Cross References
Hosea 4:6
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.

James 1:5
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.

Romans 10:2
For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.

Ecclesiastes 5:1
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.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Isaiah 5:13
Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst.

1 Corinthians 8:2
The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

Philippians 1:9-10
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,

Jeremiah 4:22
“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.”

Colossians 1:9
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,

2 Peter 1:5-6
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;

Psalm 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.

Ephesians 5:17
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 Timothy 1:7
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.


Treasury of Scripture

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

that the

Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 12:9
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Isaiah 27:11
When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is 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.

and

Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

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Acting Desire Errs False. Feet Footsteps Further Goes Good Haste Hasteth Hasty Hurries Makes Maketh Miss Misses Missing One's Over-Quick Right Sinneth Sinning Soul Way Zeal
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Acting Desire Errs False. Feet Footsteps Further Goes Good Haste Hasteth Hasty Hurries Makes Maketh Miss Misses Missing One's Over-Quick Right Sinneth Sinning Soul Way Zeal
Proverbs 19
1. Life and Conduct














Even zeal
The Hebrew word for "zeal" is "קִנְאָה" (qin'ah), which can also be translated as "passion" or "enthusiasm." In the biblical context, zeal is often seen as a fervent devotion or intense enthusiasm for a cause or belief. However, this verse cautions that zeal, while commendable, is not inherently virtuous if it lacks a foundation of knowledge. Historically, zeal without knowledge has led to misguided actions, as seen in the zealots of Jesus' time who sought to overthrow Roman rule without understanding God's broader plan. This serves as a reminder that passion must be guided by wisdom and understanding.

is no good
The phrase "is no good" underscores the potential futility or even harm of actions driven by uninformed zeal. The Hebrew word "לֹא־טוֹב" (lo-tov) suggests something that is not beneficial or constructive. In a biblical sense, actions that are not rooted in God's wisdom and understanding can lead to negative outcomes. This aligns with the broader scriptural teaching that true goodness is aligned with God's will and purposes, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

without knowledge
The Hebrew term for "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'at), which implies a deep, intimate understanding or awareness. In the biblical context, knowledge is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the wisdom that comes from Him. Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding as foundational to living a righteous life. This phrase highlights the necessity of coupling zeal with a thorough understanding of God's word and His ways, ensuring that our actions are aligned with His truth.

and he who hurries his footsteps
The imagery of "hurrying footsteps" suggests impulsiveness or rashness. The Hebrew word "אָץ" (atz) conveys a sense of urgency or haste. In the biblical narrative, haste often leads to poor decisions and unintended consequences, as seen in the account of Saul's premature sacrifice (1 Samuel 13). This phrase warns against acting without careful consideration and discernment, emphasizing the need for patience and deliberate action in accordance with God's timing and guidance.

misses the mark
The phrase "misses the mark" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata), which is often translated as "sin" or "to err." In archery, it refers to failing to hit the target. Biblically, sin is understood as falling short of God's standards and purposes. This phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual consequences of acting without knowledge and wisdom. It underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God's will to avoid spiritual missteps and to live a life that honors Him.

(2) Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good.--Ignorance is bad, as well as folly.

He that hasteth with his feet sinneth.--Haste without knowledge misses the mark aimed at. (See above on Proverbs 8:36.)

Verse 2. - Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good. "Also" (gam), Wordsworth would render "even," "even the soul, i.e. life itself, without knowledge is not a blessing;" it is βίπς οὐ βιωτός. 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 (Proverbs 17:26), and here it seems to emphasize what follows - folly is bad, so is ignorance, when the soul lacks knowledge, i.e. 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 Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 20:23; Proverbs 24:23. 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, Festina lente; "More haste, less speed." The history of Fabius, who, as Ennius said,

"Unus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem,"

shows the value of deliberation and caution. The Greeks recognized this -

Προπέτεια πολλοῖς ἐστὶν αἰτία κακῶν. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Even
גַּ֤ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

zeal
נֶ֣פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

is no
בְּלֹא־ (bə·lō-)
Preposition-b | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

good
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

without
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

knowledge,
דַ֣עַת (ḏa·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

and he who hurries
וְאָ֖ץ (wə·’āṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 213: To press, to be close, hurry, withdraw

his footsteps
בְּרַגְלַ֣יִם (bə·raḡ·la·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - fd
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

misses the mark.
חוֹטֵֽא׃ (ḥō·w·ṭê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without (Prov. Pro Pr)
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