Proverbs 4.7 encourages me to get wisdom by building insightful capacity. Thus, insight building helps me learn how to apply wisdom.
Wisdom is the starting point, so get it! While doing that, also build insightful capacity. Proverbs 4.7 paraphrase
What Do You Know?
I don’t apply precepts into my life that I’m unaware of.
In other words, I don’t use what I don’t know.
Often, I don’t know what I don’t know!
What’s worse, at times I’m convinced that I know it all! Now, that’s when I’m really dangerous!
That said, personal and professional growth requires me to develop my knowledge base of both facts and insights if I’m to advance in my career.
Most simply, I must know how to apply wisdom.
Building Awareness
Now, developing awareness requires a willingness to listen and learn.
For example, I must first be aware of the precepts in Proverbs before I can apply them. Hence Proverbs 4:20 “son … listen …”
Here, we have a parent telling a child to listen! Enough said.
As such, listening implies a teachable spirit. In fact, I must be open to appropriate sources of advice because there are many who are competing for my attention.
Clearly, in the Proverbs, wisdom is presented as a reliable source of advice for professional and personal development.
For instance, in Proverbs 1.22, wisdom begs the shallow-minded, the sarcastic, and the hard-headed to change.
Gee, what an inspiring group of traits!
Actually, Solomon repeatedly asked his son to pay attention to what he was saying. For some examples, read Proverbs 1.8, 2,1, 3.1, 3.11, and 3.21 because they all say “My son …”
Then, in Proverbs 4.1 he says: “listen my children …” and in Proverbs 4.4 “… here’s what my dad taught me …”
Apparently, parent-child conversations haven’t changed much over the centuries!
… the Lord corrects those He loves, just like a parent does. Proverbs 3.12 paraphrase
Practical Applications
Obviously, we can become aware of basic truths early in life.
As a result, Solomon pushed himself and those around him to “get” wisdom. Also, to get understanding, meaning insightful capacity. For instance, in Proverbs 4.5 he says: “Get wisdom, get understanding …”
Hence, the content of the precepts is basic and knowable for anyone. Conversely, that content isn’t something difficult. Or unknowable. Or, unattainable.
As such, even I can get this!
In addition, I should learn to bring alongside these precepts the practical applications of how they can be plugged into my daily life.
In so doing, I learn how to apply wisdom.
The Insight Toolbox
Most practically, insights are like tools in a toolbox.
Thus, over time I accumulate more tools. But, I should also develop greater expertise about when and how to best use a specific tool.
Likewise, I should build insightful capacity by developing greater professional and personal competence and discretion as my career advances.
Daily, I seek to apply the precepts into my life. For example, by building reasoning skills.
Most simply, I start by listening because I am willing to learn, Proverbs 4.1 and 4.20.
… a wise person loves to be corrected. Proverbs 9.8 paraphrase
Then, I wisely focus my attention on the content of the teaching to build factual knowledge, Proverbs 4.2.
Teaching a wise and just person makes them wiser … Proverbs 9.9 paraphrase
Next, I actively absorb the precepts, because that changes my character, Proverbs 4.4. In addition, this is where I build insightful capacity, Proverbs 4.5 and 4.7.
… fools die for lack of character. Proverbs 10.21 paraphrase
In parallel, I also guard my character, Proverbs 4.23, from erosion, Proverbs 4.24.
In short, I identify sound content. Then, I allow that sound content to transform my character as I build insightful capacity.
Character Change
So, when I absorb the precepts that learning brings character change. As such, it changes me from the inside out.
Also, it’s not about native intelligence! But, it is about a willingness to change.
Hence, Proverbs 2.2, paraphrase “… apply your character to building experiential insight …”
Get this! I’m not asked to simply put my head – my smarts, into the process. Instead, I’m to make personal transformation a matter of the heart. Thus, to change my character.
Remember, this change process includes building awareness of the precepts.
Second, absorbing the precepts to build insightful capacity.
Third, finding practical applications of those insights, thus creating experiential insights.
Actually, this should be a continual cycle in my life.
Over time, I build new insights that bring me more growth, Proverbs 4.18: “… the life path of the just is like a shining light that shines more and more …”
In turn, that growth transforms my character, Proverbs 4.21: “… keep (these precepts) in your heart.”
Focusing on wisdom changes my character because that focus allows the precepts to multiply through my life. Most practically, this cycle is how to apply wisdom.
Focused Growth
I want my personal and professional growth to be most effective. For example, by building experiential insights.
To do so, I must focus on growth as a goal, Proverbs 4.25 “… look straight ahead…”
Then, have a clear strategy for reaching the desired end state, Proverbs 4.26: “Think about where you are going …”
And finally, stay out of the weeds of distraction, Proverbs 4.27: “Don’t turn off in either direction …”
The wisdom literature of 3,000 years ago pushes me to answer several fundamental questions:
1). Where am I going?
2). Why am I going there?
3). How will I get there?
Answering these questions enables me to focus my growth efforts in regard to capacity building.
Some Outcomes
Absorbing and applying the precepts produces several benefits. For starters, here are four.
First, release from shallow thinking, Proverbs 1.22 and 7.7.
Second, discernment, Proverbs 1.5 and 2.9.
Third, decisiveness, Proverbs 10.4, 12.24, 12.27, and 13.4.
Fourth, improved decision-making capability, Proverbs 1.3, 2.9, 8.20, 21.3, 21.15, 29.4, and 29.26.
Furthermore, the ability to make sound decisions is a necessary skill for a leader. See 1 Kings 3.28 for an example from Solomon’s life.
Apply This Today!
I must learn how to apply wisdom.
And, I must be willing to change. Thus, to accept correction.
Also, I must be able to answer the basic questions about my goals. As well, know my motives for those goals!
Most critically, I must be discerning by guarding my heart. Thus, watch the information sources I accept into my life. Why? Because those sources influence how I grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Ultimately, spiritual growth is premised on maintaining a close relationship with the Lord.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-young-38418110/
