Fast Feet
Today’s Verse:
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, ~Proverbs 6:18
Do you know anyone whom you would describe as having “fast feet?” While growing up, the term “fast feet” generally referred to a runner or boxer. It has the idea of being nimble and light, and moving very quickly. Boxers or martial arts experts are commonly described as people who are fast on their feet. In these usages, “fast feet” has a good idea behind it. However, in our Scripture this morning, the description is not so good. In fact, “feet that be swift in running to mischief” is described as a sin that God hates. Let us pause this morning to be cautioned about feet that are swift in running to mischief.
Let us see the meaning.
The word for mischief refers to evil and something very bad, displeasing, and unkind. The idea found in the word mischief is injury to the one to whom mischief is inflicted upon. Recently in the news, there has been a story of one teenage girl pushing another teenage girl off a 60-foot-high cliff into water below. The accused was being playfully mischievous, but the result led to her friend breaking several ribs and injuring a lung upon impact with the water beneath. Having feet that are swift in running to mischief is when an evil thought enters into our hearts and minds, and we quickly do what we have thought about. In the Bible, the word for mischief is used 663 times in the Old Testament and always has an evil implication. We see that a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations results in feet that are swift in running to mischief.
Let us see the misery.
Several times we read of fast feet as being feet that are swift in shedding innocent blood (Prov. 1:16, Isa. 59:7, Rom. 3:15). I think of the wife of Jeroboam, who by came in disguise to the prophet Abijah hoping to get a word of comfort from him. She did not come with a genuinely repentant heart, but in subterfuge came quickly, hoping to salvage the life of her dying son. The sound of her feet gave her away as being Jeroboam’s wife and a woman of evil intentions. I think of Jezebel who had Naboth falsely tried for crimes he did not commit, resulting in him being stoned to death so that she could take possession of his vineyard. I think of Proverbs 5:5 and 7:11 that speak of the immoral woman who seduces men into a sinful relationship with her. Where we see feet that are swift in running to mischief, there is a victim who is disabled, defiled, or, worse, dead.
Let us see the medicine.
As long as there is sin, there will be feet that are swift in running to mischief. First, it is important that you try to avoid being a victim. Identify quickly if the heart of the person is filled with wicked imaginations. Is the person always critical of others? Does the person speak of revenge? Is the person always angry and resentful? Does the person tend to lie and make up stories? Is the person lustful and always alluding to immoral overtones? If so, then you must sever your ties to that relationship. Remember a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 2 Thess. 3:6 tells us to withdraw ourselves from any who walk disorderly. Second, it is important that you do not morph into someone whose feet are swift in running to mischief. Confess your sins daily. Walk in the fear of the Lord. Flee youthful lusts. Do not give place to the devil. Avoid fellowship with people that are bitter, angry, unforgiving, malicious, and unkind. They are more powerful in changing you than you are in changing them.
Before the priest offered incense and burnt sacrifices, he had to stop at the laver and wash his hands and his feet. The best remedy against fast feet is to keep them clean. Wash your feet and always run in the right direction!
Have a purified God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 32-34