Proverbs 19:2
Proverbs 19:2 in Multiple Translations
Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Further, without knowledge desire is not good; and he who is over-quick in acting goes out of the right way.
It's not good to be someone who doesn't think. If you rush, things go wrong.
For without knowledge the minde is not good, and he that hasteth with his feete, sinneth.
Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.
It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good: and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble.
Being enthusiastic but not thinking carefully about what we are about to do is not good; doing things hastily can cause us a lot of trouble [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 19:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֤ם
בְּ/לֹא
דַ֣עַת
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
לֹא
ט֑וֹב
וְ/אָ֖ץ
בְּ/רַגְלַ֣יִם
חוֹטֵֽא
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
דַ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/אָ֖ץ
ʼûwts
H213
to hasten
Conj | V-Qal
בְּ/רַגְלַ֣יִם
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd
חוֹטֵֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:2
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דַ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/אָ֖ץ
ʼûwts
H213
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
בְּ/רַגְלַ֣יִם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
חוֹטֵֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:2
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. 4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:5 | The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. |
| 2 | Philippians 1:9 | And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:20 | Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 28:16 | So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 7:9 | Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. |
| 6 | Romans 10:2 | For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. |
| 7 | John 16:3 | They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
Proverbs 19:2 Summary
[This verse means that having lots of energy and enthusiasm for something is not enough, we also need to have knowledge and understanding to do it well, as seen in Proverbs 19:2. It's like trying to build a house without a plan, we might be very eager to start, but without a plan, it will likely fall apart. This is also similar to what is said in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, where it says that even if we have faith and enthusiasm, but lack love, we are nothing. We need to take the time to learn and understand what we are doing, and seek God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have zeal without knowledge?
Having zeal without knowledge means to have enthusiasm and energy for a cause or task, but lacking the understanding and wisdom needed to accomplish it effectively, as seen in Proverbs 19:2, and also warned against in Romans 10:2 where it says people have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
How does hurrying one's footsteps lead to missing the mark?
Hurrying one's footsteps, or acting impulsively, can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities, as stated in Proverbs 19:2, and this principle is also echoed in Proverbs 21:5 which says that haste leads to poverty, emphasizing the need for careful planning and consideration.
What is the relationship between knowledge and wise decision-making?
Knowledge is essential for making wise decisions, as it provides the necessary understanding and insight to choose the right path, as seen in Proverbs 19:2, and also supported by Proverbs 1:7 which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom from God.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by taking the time to seek knowledge and understanding before acting, and being careful not to rush into decisions or actions without considering the potential consequences, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in our decisions and actions.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I acting with zeal, but lacking knowledge, and what steps can I take to gain a deeper understanding of these areas?
- How have I seen the principle of 'hurrying footsteps' play out in my own life, and what can I learn from these experiences?
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking knowledge and wisdom in my daily life, and how can I make time for this in my busy schedule?
- How can I balance my enthusiasm and energy for a task or cause with the need for careful planning and consideration, and what role can prayer and seeking God's guidance play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:2
Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good,.... Without knowledge of things natural and civil, especially without the knowledge of God and Christ, and divine and spiritual things;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:2
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. Also, (that) the soul be without knowledge, (it is) not good.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
The soul; which is the principal cause and director of all men’ s actions. Without knowledge; without wisdom or prudence to discern his way, and what and how he ought to act in his several cases and concernments. It is not good; it is very evil and pernicious. That hasteth with his feet; that rashly and headily rusheth into actions without serious consideration. So two vices are here censured, the want of knowledge, and the neglect or disuse of knowledge in a man’ s actions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
Proverbs 19:2 Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth.Ver. 2. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good.] An ignorant man is a naughty man. Ignorat sane improbus omnis, saith Aristotle, Every bad minded man is in the dark; neither can any good come into the heart, but it must pass through the understanding; and the difference of stature in Christianity grows from different degrees of knowledge. The Romans were "full of knowledge," and therefore "full of goodness." And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.] Or, Wandereth out of the way. As he that is out of his way, the faster he rides or runs, the farther he is out; so is blind zeal. It is like mettle in a blind horse, that, running upon the rocks and precipices, first breaks his hoofs, and then his neck; or like the devil in the possessed, that cast him sometimes into the fire and sometimes into the water. Eth., lib. iii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
(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.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
Verse 2. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good] Would it not be plainer, as it is more literal, to say, "Also, to be without knowledge, is not good for the soul?" The soul was made for God; and to be without his knowledge, to be unacquainted with him, is not only not good, but the greatest evil the soul can suffer, for it involves all other evils. The Chaldee and Syriac have: "He who knows not his own soul, it is not good to him." "Where no discretion is, there the soul is not well." - Coverdale. And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.] And this will be the case with him who is not Divinely instructed. A child does nothing cautiously, because it is uninstructed; a savage is also rash and precipitate, till experience instructs him. A man who has not the knowledge of God is incautious, rash, headstrong, and precipitate: and hence he sinneth-he is continually missing the mark, and wounding his own soul.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:2
2. that the soul be without knowledge] If with R.V. text we retain this rendering, we may well recognise in the rendering of R.V. marg. a true explanation of the proverb: “Desire without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet misseth his way.” “The soul,” however fervently and however rightly it desires, needs knowledge to bring its desires to good effect. “Holy desires” must be directed by “good counsels,” if they are to issue in “just works.” And to start hastily on our path, whether material or moral, without such knowledge and counsel, is to miss our way; to wander, or to sin. sinneth] Lit. misseth the mark. Comp. Judges 20:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:2
2. Without knowledge… not good — Both ignorance and want of consideration, which are closely allied, are the sources of error and sinful conduct.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Of the Knowledge of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of the knowledge of God as foundational to true godliness and experimental religion. He argues that without knowledge of God, there can |
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Pharisees Do Not Practise What They Preach by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon contrasting the Pharisees who taught but did not practice what they preached with Jesus who did first and then taught. He emphasizes the impor |
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Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
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Living Large on Less by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the journey of realizing life as a stewardship before God, emphasizing the importance of understanding wealth in comparison to others, learning content |
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Women in the Church - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impending judgment of God on the whole earth. He begins by describing the state of the earth, which is mourning and fading away, and its i |
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Take Heed You Are Not Deceived by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker warns against falling into deception and emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in the scriptures. He cautions against relying on subjective impr |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Actual Church Life by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival and reformation in the church. He expresses his gratitude for the fellowship in the gospel and prays for the love of |