April 30 - Refrain From Haste.

Proverbs 25:8
“Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.”
 
Acting with haste is often a sign of a lack of wisdom.
Here we find the Truth that we must not hastily strive with others. In the context of this particular verse, it specifically means not to rush to court in order to sue someone from their actions. Strife is to be avoided at all cost, so that we may live peaceably with all men.
 
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
 
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
 
If we would choose to hastily begin a legal battle, we do not know what the outcome of the proceedings will be. There is no guarantee of victory, and if we were to accuse someone and the evidence show their innocence, we may feel shameful for our actions.
 
It is wise to consider all the evidence before we jump to conclusions.
As the old saying goes, there are two sides to every story.
 
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
 
The Truth of this Wisdom applies to more than just court proceedings.
It would be wise for us to refrain from hastily doing anything outside of what God has instructed us to do.
 
Ecclesiastes 7:25
“I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:”
 
We must think before we speak.
We must see counsel before we act.
We must consider before we go.
We must pray before we decide.
 
1 Peter 3:8-11
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”
 
Refrain from the desire to react hastily today.
Consider what the Word of God says about your situation before responding in any way that would be unpleasing to Him.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 1-2  |  Romans 3  |  Proverbs 30-31