DAILY DEVOTIONAL    📖 

Jumping to Conclusions -

In the summer of 2013, a 21-year-old swimmer jumped off the Bandmann Bridge into the Clark Fork River in Missoula, Montana. Because he did not look upriver before his plunge, he landed on a man who was floating the river in an inner tube. The man, Andy Hill, suffered broken legs, torn knee ligaments, and other injuries. The jumper was given a two year deferred sentence and ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution to the victim. He knew that it was illegal, but he disregarded the warnings. Not only did he injure Mr. Hill and get in trouble with the law, he was also injured. The worst part of this is how totally preventable it was, if not for a young man’s lack of discernment and discretion.

The jumper is not the first or the worst example of the danger of taking a blind, impetuous leap that inflicts damage! In Proverbs, Solomon describes the fool as one who, lacking understanding, recklessly divulges his mind (18:2), proclaims the folly of his heart (12:23), and displays his folly (13:16). Solomon warns about being hasty or impulsive to bring up a matter (Ecc. 5:2). An abomination to God are “feet that run rapidly to evil” (Prov. 6:18). The one enamored with the adulteress “hastens to the snare” she sets (Prov. 7:23) and the intemperate “hasten to shed blood” (Prov. 1:16). 

Have you ever jumped to conclusions? Made assumptions? Perhaps you did not hold off and wait for information and confirmation. The damage can be costly and permanent, for yourself and your victim. Take some time. Be a conscientious fact-gatherer, and then triple-check. Give the benefit of the doubt. Seek counsel from the wise. Check your motives. There are so many steps to take before you take a leap. A closer look can change the whole situation and save reputations, feelings, and maybe even souls. ~ unknown 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY🤔  The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.~Mahatma Gandhi