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"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
A man entered a drug store and asked to see the pharmacist. When the pharmacist came out, the man asked if he could give him a cure for the hiccups. The pharmacist immediately reached out and slapped him across the face.
The man asked, "What'd you do that for?" He said, "Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore, do you?" " The man said, “No, but my wife out in the car still does!"
Sometimes, like that pharmacist, we’re so eager to fix a problem that we act before fully understanding the situation. He meant well, but he jumped to a solution without gathering enough information. In the end, he didn’t solve the problem. In fact, he made things worse.
How often do we do the same thing? Maybe we see a friend struggling and immediately offer advice when all they needed was someone to listen. Or perhaps we jump into fixing a family member’s issue without taking the time to pray and seek God's wisdom. Our intentions are good, but if we rush into action without truly understanding the need, we might cause more harm than good.
Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that careful planning leads to success, while haste leads to trouble. God values thoughtful action. He wants us to be people who seek wisdom, not just quick fixes.
Here are some suggestions when you’re tempted to respond to a situation quickly:
1. Pause Before Acting – Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom.
2. Listen First – Instead of assuming what someone needs, ask questions.
3. Seek God’s Guidance – Not every problem is ours to solve. Sometimes, our role is simply to encourage, pray, or walk alongside someone instead of "fixing" things for them.
4. Be Patient – God’s timing is perfect. Rushing into action may feel good in the moment, but true wisdom often requires waiting and trusting God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be patient and wise in my actions. Give me discernment to truly understand the needs of others before I try to help. Teach me to listen well, love well, and look to you for guidance in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith's Thought For the Day
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