Proverbs 14:8 (NLT)
“The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.”
Lillian gave her two-week notice right after getting a less-than-encouraging service rating at her job. It wasn’t like she hadn’t gotten one before, but this time, it was a wrap. She’d been at that job for over seventeen years, and while some might say that’s way too long to stay in one position, Lillian loved what she did—she just couldn’t stand the people.
The feedback she received—“needs improvement and doesn’t work well with colleagues”—was a clear signal, but instead of stepping back and thinking things through, she let her frustration take over and quit on the spot. That’s just how Lillian rolled. Impulsive decisions were her thing. In fact, when she married her first husband, they’d only been dating for six weeks before they tied the knot. Acting first and thinking later had basically become her trademark.
God wants His children to make wise, sound decisions, but if you’re prone to making spur-of-the-moment choices based on emotions or feelings, it can be costly in the long run. When we’re young and still a little naïve, we experience a certain grace. It allows us to bounce back from impetuous decisions without too much struggle. It’s a different story when we’re more mature. The bounce back can be much more challenging. Lillian didn’t have a backup plan, and the wisdom of God’s Word teaches us in James 1:19 (NLT), “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” The blessing doesn’t come before the lesson. God requires us to walk in wisdom, and this means that patience, prudence, and persistence are always necessary.
Proverbs 14:8 shows us that wise people are careful about the direction they take in life because everything we do has a price. As children of God, our lives aren’t our own—we sometimes forget this truth. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) reminds us, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Living without seeking God’s guidance leads to bad decisions that can sometimes bring destruction.
When life starts to unravel or feels out of balance, it’s a signal to refocus your time and attention on your relationship with God. This means not rushing into anything without praying and hearing from Him first. God wants us to get it right. He desires to see His children flourish and fulfill their dreams, but we can’t do this without putting Him first in all things. Jesus Christ commands us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” We have to remember to seek His Kingdom first before anyone or anything else. That means we can’t react to disrespect or a lack of integrity of others by stooping to the same level. Our response to any opposition is to go to God and let Him handle it.
Don’t let your emotions trick you into reacting without thinking things through. Proverbs 18:12 (NLT) reminds us, “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” Pride has a sneaky way of causing us to miss out on opportunities or setting us up for heartbreak, especially when our bad attitude boomerangs back to us. The thing about arrogance is it blinds people—they can’t accept correction or guidance because they’re too focused on themselves. And let’s be real, God can’t work with a heart or mind stuck in that kind of stubbornness. Humility opens the door for growth, while pride slams it shut.
God promises to show up for us, no matter the situation. However, when our spiritual and emotional immaturity leads us to lose a blessing that He’s given us, it shows we’re not handling things well. Our impetuousness reads as poor stewardship, and it’s a clear sign that something in us needs to change. God’s blessings are precious, and He wants us to be ready and responsible enough to handle them. So, let’s do everything possible to ensure that our emotions are in check, our reservoir of patience is fully stocked, and most importantly, our level of humility to let go and let God is our consistent posture. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Impetuous Behavior Can Be Costly”, written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.