Proverbs 12.8 addresses the importance of understanding the essentials. Actually, that precept observes that good character understands what’s essential.
The Precept Explained
What’s it mean if I “get it”? How can I tell if I am grasping the essentials of life?
Well, according to Proverbs 12.8, it’s good to understand what’s essential.
More specifically, I recognize what’s essential through a life that balances knowing and doing, Proverbs 3.3-4. Hence, a life that balances truth and mercy.
Learning What’s Essential
Now, I learn the essentials of life by being teachable, Proverbs 16.22, as opposed to being foolishly unteachable.
Conversely, the foolishly overconfident don’t grasp what’s essential. Instead, they lash out at others, Proverbs 6.14.
A flawed character devises ways to divide people by creating conflict. Proverbs 6.14 paraphrase
Moreover, recognizing what’s essential is a divine gift, First Chronicles 22.12. And, it accompanies a prosperous and courageous lifestyle!
Next, the contrast in Proverbs 12.8 is between grasping essentials and having a perverse character. That character is marked by inappropriate desire, as explained in Proverbs 21.10, “the wicked desire evil…”
Thus, it seems by extension that a worthy desire is to grasp life’s essentials.
As it turns out, I learn what’s essential by living in balance. And, by being growth oriented. Also, by spiritual sensitivity to the basics of thinking, deciding, and acting.
An essential life avoids the pressures of over-commitment because it has a clearly defined purpose.
Most importantly, I get to the essential life by intentionally choosing to grow. In turn, I grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
In fact, at its core, I believe the essential life is deeply spiritual.
Outcomes of Good Character
Obviously, a good character is beneficial. Interestingly, the term used by Solomon for good character is wise hearted. As such, being wise hearted is marked by several traits, which are listed in the following diagram.
In short, the wise hearted understand what’s essential. Also, they manage assets well. And, they exhibit carefulness.
Actually, the wise hearted find their good character self-satisfying. In addition, they accept correction, share wise counsel with others, make wise choices, and build up others.
Leadership Insight
So, what’s essential for an impactful leader?
Certainly it’s essential to recognize and respond to what’s happening in the lives of co-workers because their concerns impact morale and thus productivity.
Obviously, there’s no ability to respond to rapidly changing markets if the leader misses what’s essential.
Most basically, an impactful leader must grasp what’s essential in his or her own personal life. Else, the leader faces career burn out. And, broken relationships with family.
Additionally, the leader will struggle with maintaining a sound spiritual life.
Therefore, don’t be the leader who misses the essentials!
Instead, be the impactful leader who grasps the essentials of a balanced, purpose-filled life. Why? Because good character understands what’s essential.
Apply This Today!
It’s good to grasp the essentials in one key aspect of my life. But, it’s best if I grasp what’s essential in multiple areas of my life! So, be that leader!
Recognition for meeting quota doesn’t fix a broken family. So, don’t be that leader!
A flawed character struggles with what’s essential because of an inability to address improper desire. So, don’t be that leader!
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