When I absorb the precepts I change how I talk. Conversely, the words of the foolishly unteachable are idle chatter.
A Precept-driven Life
Proverbs 10.8 defines a precept-driven life.
Basically, it says the wise-hearted absorb the precepts. In doing so, they become precept-driven.
In contrast, the babbling of the foolishly unteachable is self-destructive. Hence, there are two dramatically different options in this verse!
Actually, the contrast is stark. Basically, be a life-time learner or be a loud-mouthed fool! Thus, develop a wise character or fail! Fortunately, I get to choose the outcome.
Purposeful Growth
First, I’m intentionally growing by soaking up the precepts.
Or, second, I’m a know-it-all who’s not growing at all. Moreover, that lack of personal and professional growth shows out in my idle chatter.
In short, my words show my character. Above all, I must be wise-hearted. Otherwise, I’m foolishly unteachable.
Thus, the words of the foolishly unteachable are a dead give away!
A precept-driven life produces a wise character.
A Wise Character
The phrase “wise hearted” indicates a character that’s skillful and circumspect. Thus, thoughtful. Also, careful. Therefore, not careless in word or thought.
In fact, the phrase wise hearted appears seven times in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
For instance, the wise hearted are:
1). Placed in positions of authority, Proverbs 11.29
2). Discerning and are always learning, Proverbs 16.21
The wise hearted are discerning, especially in regard to learning from others. Proverbs 16.21 paraphrase
3). Self-controlled – and are always learning, Proverbs 16.23
The wise hearted carefully guard their words. Proverbs 16.23 paraphrase
4). Serious-minded, not foolishly overconfident, Ecclesiastes 7.4
5). Decisive, Ecclesiastes 8.5
Keeping the precepts builds a wise character that makes sound decisions. Ecclesiastes 8.5 paraphrase
6). Guided by a just character, Ecclesiastes 10.2, and
7). Precept-driven, Proverbs 10.8
Wherefore, there’s a big payoff for choosing to absorb the precepts! As a result, I become wise hearted, meaning I have a just character.
After that, I add traits such as decisiveness. Plus, self-control and discernment. Also, serious-mindedness.
A wise character knows the right thing to do and the right time to do it!
Finally, I’m placed in positions of authority because of my continual learning and wise character. Otherwise, I fall into a destructive cycle as revealed by the words of the foolishly unteachable.
Who’s Unteachable?
The Hebrew word evil is often translated fool and foolish. For example, the unteachable fool hates instruction, Proverbs 1.7 and resists authority, Proverbs 15.5.
Generally, it’s a waste of time trying to teach the unteachable, Proverbs 16.22.
Moreover, regardless of the rationale presented, an unteachable person is argumentative, Proverbs 29.9.
Thus, in plain English, “nobody can’t tell a fool nothing” because they know it all already, Proverbs 12.15!
Words of the Foolishly Unteachable
As it turns out, the foolishly unteachable don’t recognize how problematic their speech patterns really are.
For example, an acquaintance of mine from years back meets these characteristics.
How so? First, he talked constantly. And loudly. What’s more, he had an opinion about everything! Then, he spent quite a bit of time trying to convince everyone just how right he was.
Problem is, there was no success pattern in his life to match the big talk. Actually, he had trouble holding a steady job.
Also, there was no clear pattern of growth. Conversely, his life was marked by stops and starts.
As expected, his personal life was messy.
Guess what? In the face of these persistent difficulties he remained steadfastly confident in his superior wisdom because he was foolishly unteachable.
Thus, his life demonstrates the words of the foolishly unteachable. Why? Because there was no pattern of life successes.
Hence, for a leader, this individual is an example of what not to do!
Leadership Insight
For a leader, the obvious takeaway here is to be a continual learner. In addition, be intentional about absorbing the precepts as found in Proverbs.
As a result of that intentionality, a leader builds a wise character. Moreover, the leader adds traits such as decisiveness and self-control.
In summary, a young leader in particular can rapidly enhance his or her growth in essential leadership skills. How? By looking to Proverbs as a source of guidance!
Therefore, dive into this free and timeless personal, professional, and spiritual growth manual!
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com