Choose Your Speed

Proverbs 4:12 (KJV) When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Notice that there are two different speeds mentioned here.  The first is “goest” which seems to mean to walk because it is contrasted with the second, which is “run”.  Are these deliberate choices or are they things beyond our control?  I know that when I am on a downhill slope, I tend to walk a bit faster than when I am on level ground and a lot faster than when I am going uphill.  I also tend to walk slower when it’s dark or when there are many things making it necessary to be careful where I put my feet.

Life gives us different challenges.  Life throws us curve-balls, throws stumbling blocks, and prepares open pits for us to fall into.  Since the context of this remark is wisdom, I think perhaps this is telling us that we should consider what we’re facing, and the decisions we make, and adjust how fast we make those decisions based on what’s ahead of us.

So?  Don’t be in a hurry when it’s time to go slow.  You always run into people who are pressuring you and trying to get you to make a decision now.  Listen to that voice of wisdom.  Take the time necessary.  Give the Holy Spirit chance to provide guidance.