“Do not go hastily to court, for what will you do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another; lest he who hears it expose your shame and your reputation be ruined” (Proverbs 25:8-10).
As illustrated in this passage, one of the reasons haste is foolish is because you may have a blind spot. There may be something you do not notice, recognize, or fully understand about yourself or your situation, but it can be clearly seen by others. Because of your haste to get to court, you did not consult with your neighbor or anyone else to see if there was something you had overlooked. You assumed you had no blind spots, foolishly ploughed ahead, and walked away from court looking foolish.
A second reason haste is foolish is because you may speak before you think. The counsel of “Turn on brain before engaging mouth” is ignored. Therefore, in your haste to win your debate, you foolishly reveal something told you in confidence. When your folly and lack of trustworthiness become known, you rightfully reap the embarrassment sown by the folly of your haste.
Such folly is embarrassing and preventable. Therefore, beware of the folly of haste.
