Regardless of how gifted I am, a poor character or poor judgment will work against that talent. However, Proverbs 17.8 suggests offering or accepting a bribe is effective! Thus, bribes are an example of how to best abuse my giftedness.
A bribe works just like a diamond. In fact, however it’s turned – it works well! Proverbs 17.8 paraphrase
Some Tradeoffs
Why offer or accept a bribe?
What are the chances of getting caught if I offer or accept a bribe? Or, abuse my power of office as a leader?
Question 1 – Why offer? Answer – to gain an unfair advantage. Why accept? Because of the monetary gain.
Question 2 – Chances of getting caught? Answer – the business press warns about all the ways you can get caught. Additionally, states have laws against bribery of public officials.
Question 3 – Abuse of power? Actually, opposing political parties love that one!
Therefore, offering or accepting a bribe is an example of being willing to risk a lot to gain a little. Why? Because you risk destroying your career, and jail time, for a short-term financial gain.
Moreover, don’t risk-a-lot-to-gain-a-little is a fundamental principle of risk management. It just makes sense, right? A rational person simply doesn’t risk a lot to gain a little because of the down-side risks.
In sum, no matter my skill level, or number of accomplishments, or wealth or power, a bribe is one of the best ways to abuse my giftedness.
Change the Lens
Now, let’s put on a different pair of glasses. Thus, instead of the lens of risk management or avoiding punishment, let’s consider the ultimate value of a wise or good character.
What’s a wise character worth to me? Alternatively, what would I forego to maintain a wise character?
This line of reasoning says that I don’t offer or accept a bribe because of likely punishment. Instead, I abstain because I value my reputation above all else – certainly more than the financial gain received from the bribe.
In addition, a wise character impacts the quality of the decisions I make. Similarly, solid decision algorithms don’t fix problems with a poor character.
Therefore, I shouldn’t abuse my giftedness or my character by accepting a bribe. That’s how to best abuse my giftedness.
The View from Scripture
The Hebrew word that means bribe is used several times in Proverbs and elsewhere in scripture.
For example, it appears in 1 Samuel 8.3 of those who take bribes to pervert justice.
Also, Psalm 26.10-11 contrasts integrity and taking bribes.
Finally, Isiah 33.15 says a righteous person refuses to accept a bribe and doesn’t participate in extorsion.
The View From Proverbs
Now, three uses of the word from Proverbs.
Proverbs 17.8 points out that bribes work well! In fact, we may have more laws now, 3000 years later, but bribes are still used because they still work.
Why do bribes still work? I think because human nature is still the same.
That said, this Proverb isn’t condoning the use of bribes. It’s simply pointing out basic human nature. Unfortunately, a bribe is an effective way to turn things in my favor. I just need to ignore the consequences, such as serious damage to my character.
Additionally, in Proverbs 6.23-35 we read that an affair is a very high-risk proposition. Duh!
Actually, no matter the amount offered in payment, the offended husband cannot be satisfied! Executives and politicians who misuse their power in this way are the topic of numerous news stories. The payment is very high!
Finally, in Proverbs 17.23 we read that bribes are used to turn decisions, such as before a judge, in favor of the person paying the bribe. Unfortunately, what Proverbs observed we still see practiced and prosecuted today.
Leadership Insights
Ok, bribes are just one example.
Truthfully, there are multiple other ways that a leader can sabotage his or her career.
Why? How does a leader get to the point of a destructive decision? Hence the question: what were you thinking?
What are some common answers to the what-were-you-thinking question? Here are five.
1). “I made a mistake.”
2). “I just wasn’t thinking clearly.”
3). “At the time it seemed like a good idea.”
4). “I just sort of inched my way into this hole without noticing the erosion in my life.”
5). “I was under a lot of pressure at that time and didn’t see other options.”
Why These Excuses?
We hear this reasoning, often, from leaders who were at the very top of an organization. Thus, they were well along in their careers.
Additionally, those leaders were highly successful.
Obviously, they were gifted. However, they found a way to best abuse their giftedness!
The “Why”it happened is, I think, much less important than taking responsibility for the outcomes of my actions.
Ultimately, I’m in charge of the outcomes of my life. Conversely, blaming others, or circumstances, just doesn’t move me toward a solution.
A Way Out?
Is there any guaranteed way to avoid a fatal career mistake? I don’t think there is because we’re all human.
Thus, I can be exercising good judgment and have a wise character today. But, fact is, that doesn’t prevent me from serious error tomorrow.
That said, I do believe that the behavioral and decision models in Proverbs are helpful.
First, the Proverbs work from the base of a reverent character. See Proverbs 1.7 and 9.10 to support this.
Second, the Proverbs challenge me to grow personally and professionally. Specifically, I’m asked to grow experiential insight and discernment. See Proverbs 2.1-11.
Third, that growth contributes to a balanced life that both knows and does what is just, fair, and equitable. See Proverbs 3.1-4.
Fourth, I temper my behavior with humility, faith, an abundance mindset, and a willingness to be corrected. See Proverbs 3.5-11.
Fifth, guided by a sound character, I perceive what’s most critical. Then, I focus and persist toward those few critical priorities. See Proverbs 4.23-27.
Outcomes from adopting this mindset include self-control, a careful approach to life, sound judgment, thoughtfulness, discernment, and increased capacity to produce.
Is there a catch? You bet. Because without a righteous base to my life I’m subject to listening to the perverse logic that leads to the what-were-you-thinking responses above.
As it turns out, the voice of wisdom calling to me (see Proverbs 9.4) uses exactly the same words as the voice of foolishness (see Proverbs 9.16)!
Apply This Today!
Intentional personal and professional growth is good because it builds my giftedness.
Better, I think, than growing giftedness is growth in my ability to discern good from bad. Conversely, high skill and low discernment is a fatal combination because of the danger of joining together arrogance and social ineptness!
Although there are no fool-proof ways to avoid bad choices, a balanced life, clear priorities, humility, and reverence will keep me out of some serious problems.
In short, I should be careful not to learn how to best abuse my giftedness!
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