Why so fast?

Mission Practical: Article 1, 2026

Proverbs 19: On Assumptions, Facts, and Walking Wisely Before the Lord

One of the most dangerous mistakes we can make, whether in ministry, leadership, or relationships, is moving forward without all the facts.

The Bible is clear that good intentions do not excuse poor judgment.

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

—Proverbs 19:2

Rushing ahead without understanding does not honor the Lord.

Acting on assumptions does not advance His work.

And reacting emotionally instead of prayerfully often creates wounds that never needed to exist.

Over the years in missions, I have learned this truth repeatedly: what looks clear at first glance is often incomplete. There are always conversations you haven’t heard, burdens you don’t carry, and prayers that have been prayed quietly long before you ever noticed the outcome.

Proverbs reminds us that when things go wrong, our instinct is often to blame God—or others—rather than examine our own haste.

“The foolishness of man perverteth his way:

and his heart fretteth against the LORD.”

—Proverbs 19:3 (KJV)

That verse should stop all of us for a moment.

How often do we grow frustrated, not because God has failed, but because we moved before listening?

Spoke before understanding?

Judged before asking?

Scripture also warns us about the damage done by unverified words.

“A false witness shall not be unpunished,

and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”

—Proverbs 19:5 (KJV)

Not every false witness intends harm, but harm is still done when truth is not fully known. In ministry, careless words can divide churches, strain partnerships, and discourage those who are already carrying heavy loads.

This is why wisdom matters.

“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger;

and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

—Proverbs 19:11 (KJV)

Discretion gives space for prayer.

Discretion listens before responding.

Discretion seeks clarity instead of conflict.

At JOY Missions, we have learned that God often works deeply before He works visibly. Decisions that may look sudden to others are often the result of months—or years—of prayer, counsel, fasting, and waiting on the Lord. The outside may only see the step, not the journey.

The goal is never to be fast.

The goal is to be faithful.

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,

than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”

—Proverbs 19:1 (KJV)

Integrity walks carefully.

Integrity asks questions.

Integrity trusts God’s timing over human urgency.

So let this be a reminder to all of us:

Don’t assume.

Don’t rush.

Don’t speak before you’ve listened.

God is not in a hurry—but He is always at work.

And when we slow down enough to seek understanding, we often find that He has been leading all along.