In Proverbs 19.8 we read that intentional character development through accumulating experiential insights is good for my deepest inner self! Hence, character building is good for my soul.
Intentional Character Building
Building character is good for my spiritual self. Likewise, building insightful capability is good for me, according to Proverbs 19.8.
I form a sound character, in part, through the process of insight building.
Then, I accumulate practical life insights through practices such as observing, questioning, and reflecting.
Additionally, I enjoy good in my spiritual and personal life as I deepen my character through intentional reflection.
As a result, I become the person I focus on becoming – as I think in my heart. Thus, a sound character is critical.
Intentional Reflection
When do I find time personally for this intentional reflection?
Well, the drive home each evening is one of those times.
Also, blocking time at the end of the week for a look back (what happened) and look forward (where am I/are we headed) is another time for insight building.
Additionally, my first hour each morning is for scripture study and writing. As such, it is especially helpful for reviewing and absorbing the precepts that are the raw materials for forming experiential insights.
“Careful observance of the precepts is good for my soul.” Proverbs 19.16 paraphrase
What good?
Proverbs 19.8 says that forming experiential insights causes me to find good.
But, what good? Actually, it doesn’t say!
Therefore, I’m left to conclude that learning from life experiences builds my professional and personal capabilities.
Whereas, repeating the same mistakes over and over keeps me trapped in that same difficult setting.
In short, the writer is allowing us to figure out on our own what’s most obvious. That is, shallow-mindedness, hardheadedness and stubbornness, and a lack of focus are all personally destructive!
Leadership Insight
Proverbs 19.8 tells me that a sound character is a matter of the heart, not the head.
Likewise, Mark Crowley makes that same point in his book Lead from the Heart and in his podcasts; see http://markccrowley.com/.
In fact, good leadership recognizes the human side of the enterprise. Thus, heart plus soul is for real!
Moreover, forming experiential insights by asking “what just happened” or better yet “what’s likely to happen” produce a leader who is better equipped to meet needs around him or her.
In practice, that leader is successful in facing challenging situations. Also, he or she learns from those events because of the confidence gained from working successfully with his/her team through prior challenges.
I conclude that who I am becoming by building a sound character is the ultimate sustainable practice for my long-term, personal and professional development.
Indeed, character building is good for my soul!
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com