To properly dig into this scripture found in Proverbs, it seems important to first define the key terms. Merriam-Webster defines hastily as “with excessive speed or urgency; hurriedly”, wealth as having multiple definitions, one being “abundant supply”, and dwindle as “diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength”. Using that, I interpret this scripture to mean that in gaining an abundant supply of something, in a hurried or excessively quick way, we will likely lose it. But in growth over time, gradually, progressively; the supply will increase. And doesn’t that play out in our daily lives? When things are quickly and easily acquired, without much effort, planning, or seeking of wisdom, they’re often as quick to disappear. But those areas in which we plan and focus, essentially where we put our time, energies, and attention; we find accumulative growth. We grow in our wisdom when we make wisdom a priority and seek our Lord in the decisions that we make. We grow in relationships through careful tending of those relationships that we hold dear. We accumulate patience and kindness and grace when we intentionally practice those things in our actions and interactions. Thus, having “enough” of something is often the result of being thoughtful, intentional, and prayerful in moving toward that “supply” we desire.
