Many times it has been said and many songs have been sung about “Fools Rush(ing) in.” Everyone, if they were honest, would admit that at one time or another they have acted from the “heart” (impulse) rather than from the head when making decisions. God’s word is also filled with examples of people who have made these mistakes (e.g. Adam and Eve, Abraham, Aaron, Moses, David etc.).

One of the most well known is Peter from the New Testament. The reason why he continually comes to mind is because there are numerous references made about him, in the Gospels, speaking and/or acting on impulse. He was the disciple who walked out onto the water to meet Jesus. The story tells of him sinking moments later and being saved and rebuked by Jesus for his lack of faith (Matthew 14:22-31). He also tried, more than once, to prevent Jesus from going to the cross and eventually told him that he would be willing to die with him yet he denied knowing him a few hours after this confession (Matthew 16:21-23; John 13:37-38).

Yesterday, I taught the kids of Fellowship Fort Smith how Peter responded to Jesus’ arrest in John 18. After Peter cut off the right ear of Malchus, who was one of the officers there to arrest Jesus, Jesus rebuked him saying, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me” (John 18:11)? The account in Luke tells us that Jesus then heals the officer.

Peter, like many of us who act on impulse, felt as if he was doing an honorable thing by defending Jesus. Instead, what he does is doubt Jesus’ control over the situation and go against the purposes of God. Warren Wiersbe affirms, “Jesus did not need Peter’s protection. He could have summoned legions of angels had He wanted to be delivered” (Matt. 26:52-54). According to Wiersbe, “Peter made every mistake possible! He fought the wrong enemy, used the wrong weapon, had the wrong motive, and accomplished the wrong result? He was openly resisting the will of God and hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish. While we admire his courage and sincerity, it was certainly a demonstration of zeal without knowledge” (374).

Although our society places significance on eloquent speech and taking initiative, James emphasizes listening. He says that we are to be, “…quick to hear, (and) slow to speak” (James 1:19). He continues by stating that our growth in godliness depends upon it. He asserts that those who are quick to listen, “…produce the righteousness that God requires” (James 1:20). May we as believers demonstrate zeal with knowledge so our speech and our actions will be God-honoring and will help us to grow in godliness.

Wiersbe, Warren. John. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries, 1989. 374.