A. Often we suffer because of acting too hastily. Hastiness on our part is to blame for many setbacks.
B. A hasty spirit (or attitude) is a dangerous thing. (Proverbs 14:29) “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
C. “Hasty of spirit” = “short of spirit”, or “one that is easily irritated; and, being in a passion, he is agitated so as to be literally short of breath” [Adam Clarke]
D. Hasty of spirit is opposite of Paul’s admonition (Ephesians 4:2) “With all lowliness and meekness with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
A. Hasty with our WORDS (Proverbs 29:20) “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” (James 3:1-12)
1. “Least said – easiest mended” (James 1:19)
a. (Story of feathers in yards)
b. Sometimes we speak from the “top of our heads” rather than from the “bottom of our hearts”
B. Hasty in our Determinations and Decisions
1. Many fail to count the cost of Christianity (Luke 14:26-33) (c.f.Matthew 10:37)
a. Many begin the Christian walk, in an emotional frenzy, only to become indifferent later because of not “counting the cost” of that decision
b. There is a difference between a loose adherence to Jesus and a real commitment to Him and His teachings
C. Hasty in Judgments of others (Matthew 7:1-5) (John 7:24) “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement.”
1. “Righteous Judgment” is NEVER hasty
a. We must have ALL the facts before making a judgment
A. It never pays to be hasty in our temperament, words, or decisions in life
B. We will suffer long because of our lack of thought and consideration, and we will often NOT suffer alone
C. God’s word admonishes --- DON’T BE HASTY! Think it through, then act!