TO MISS THE MARK

"Also, it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark)." — Proverbs 19:2 (AMP)

This verse spoke directly to me today because I came across a post defining maturity as the ability to consider the long-term consequences of our present-day actions.

Emphasis on: "He who hurries with his feet, acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences, misses the mark."

The Hebrew word for sin translates to "to miss the mark." With this perspective, it feels less like a purely religious term and more like something we can all relate to.

I don't know if you've heard of the game darts, it's often seen in movies. Players throw small, pointed darts at a circular target (dartboard) divided into numbered sections. The goal is to hit specific areas, especially the bullseye (the central circle), for the highest points.

Now, picture this: To act hurriedly without considering the long-term consequences of your actions is to miss the mark.

To avoid missing the mark, just like in darts, you must:

1. Be trained – Acquire knowledge. As King Solomon said, "It is not good for a person to be without knowledge." An amateur would completely miss the mark, but through practice and training, a sage will shoot the arrow straight to the bullseye.

2. Be analytical – Every action today has a long-term consequence, which will either lead you to miss the mark or hit it. Don't just act, calculate. Weigh your decisions carefully.

Dearest reader, the mark exists in every phase of life. To miss it is to settle for mediocrity.

P.S.: Another reminder to join my daily Proverbs group, because why not? 🤭

#WhyMashal

@favvy_Okwans🖤.