From Proverbs 24.10, we learn that a lack of resilience is deadly. Conversely, if I intentionally grow then resilience keeps me strong during difficulty.
The Precept Explained
Like some other precepts, Proverbs 24.10 is worded in the negative. As such, its key phrase is “… faint in the day of adversity …”
Thus, according to Proverbs 24.10, some lack a breadth of emotional energy. As a result, they perform poorly during difficulty.
Why no energy? Because of a narrow range of emotional maturity to draw from.
Why no breadth? Because there’s no growth during the good times. Hence, nothing to draw from in the bad times.
I don’t do well in major challenges unless I’ve built resilience during the minor challenges.
Don’t Be Narrow
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for small in Proverbs 24.10 “your strength is small” is the same word used in Proverbs 23.27 to describe “…a narrow pit.”
Therefore, a lack of resilience is very confining. That is, confining both personally and professionally.
So, build discretion. And, don’t be hardheaded. That way, you don’t get into the deep ditch of a poor choice!
Inappropriate relationships are deathly confining. Proverbs 23.27 paraphrase
Strong During Difficulty
However, the paraphrase of Proverbs 24.10 in this post is worded in the positive. Why? To emphasize that a resilient person chooses to be strong during challenging circumstances.
In so doing, they show a breadth of emotional energy because they have learned through past experiences. Thus, they’ve built up that energy.
When, Not If!
What’s worse, the issue isn’t IF the trouble will come. Instead, it’s WHEN, Proverbs 1.27.
Unfortunately, when the trouble comes it’s too late to begin building up emotional strength.
Therefore, to avoid being unprepared, I build wisdom. In fact, that process yields personal growth.
In turn, growth produces inner strength, Proverbs 24.5.
Building emotional energy during the good times becomes my rainy-day fund during difficult experiences.
Leadership Insight
Now, the insight here is obvious.
No individual leader, organization, industry, or national economy is immune from external shocks.
That said, impactful leaders “foresee the evil …” Proverbs 22.3. Thus, they’re resilient. More so, foresight is your friend in a downturn.
Additionally, slack resources are always good! So, build in slack for yourself with emotional energy. And, slack for the organization by managing debt.
Else, you will find yourself selling assets or divisions at fire-sale prices. Or, expending time and energy fighting off activist investors.
Remember, expansions don’t last forever. You know, just like housing prices don’t always go up!
Apply This Today!
Resilience is a deliberate choice! As such, resilience keeps me strong during difficulty.
Also, resilience is a by-produce of deliberate growth. Moreover, that growth comes as I learn from experiences.
I build strength during the good times by growing in my knowledge of the precepts. Then, I have the reserve of emotional energy needed to face difficulty.
Consequently, this strength building is like setting aside slack resources for a rainy day because I don’t know what the day will bring!
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com