Proverbs 2.3-4 teaches me to build insights, and the practical application of those insights, because they’re the ultimate life treasure. Hence, I should value growth above all else.
Seek factual knowledge and experiential insight as the ultimate treasure! Proverbs 2.3-4 paraphrase
The Precept Explained
I must value personal and professional growth above all else, Proverbs 2.1.
Moreover, insight building gets me there, according to Proverbs 2.2!
Be a learner by absorbing the precepts thus gaining experiential insight. Proverbs 2.1-2 paraphrase
As in Proverbs 2.2, 2.3, and 2.6, the trait experiential insight is often translated by the word “understanding” in Proverbs.
Therefore, being able to draw insight from life experiences builds my capability as a leader. Also, it builds my capacity.
As such, insight is one outcome of intentional character transformation from focusing on knowing wisdom.
What’s more, descriptors such as “silver” and “hidden treasures” in Proverbs 2.4 point to refining. Also, they point to the deliberate practice required to accumulate those experiential insights.
Experiential insight is more valuable than silver or gold! Proverbs 3.14 paraphrase
Getting There
What’s the process for moving from an incident, or a recurring and negative cycle of behavior, to building a useful insight?
Well, one path to building experiential insight is deliberate reflection.
A learner should form the daily habit of questioning her/himself.
For instance, questions include: “What just happened?” And, “What was I thinking?” Or, “Why did I respond that way?”
Also, “What was going on that I missed back there?”
As well as, “How could I have handled that better?”
Personally, during my time in cold-call selling, I found those types of questions essential. Unfortunately, those daily experiences were an unforgiving way to improve!
A Success Pattern
These verses in Proverbs Chapter 2 suggest outside assistance in this reflection process. Thus, the mentor and mentee relationship is essential for my personal and professional growth.
In fact, I must be a learner.
And, I must find trusted and competent sources to direct my professional growth.
Through reflection and growth I stop the cycle of always getting the same results because I always respond the same way!
Apply This Today!
Three times in Proverbs 2.1-4 I read the word “if.” As such, character transformation that’s guided by the precepts, is a deliberate choice I make!
Most critically, I choose to grow by choosing to reflect because that’s how I build insights.
Finally, I should value growth above all else.
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com