According to Proverbs 2.9, a defensible decision is marked by doing what’s right. In addition, it’s handled in a way that’s fair. As a result, I’m doing what’s expected.
The Precept Explained
Is it more important to know what’s right, or to do what’s right?
Well, it’s hard to do what’s right if I don’t know what’s right!
Clearly, knowing what’s right comes through instruction, as stated in Proverbs 1.3 and 2.9.
Then, I must do what’s just or right as originally stated in Genesis 18.19 and repeated by Solomon 1,000 years later in Proverbs 21.3!
God expects us to do the right thing and to use good judgment if we’re to be blessed. Genesis 18.19 paraphrase
Actually, Proverbs 2.9 observes that a precept-driven life produces a discerning character. As such, discernment helps me know what’s just or right as I form sound decisions.
In parallel, discernment helps me decide in a way that’s also equitable. Therefore, merciful and fair.
Doing What’s Expected
To repeat, I know what’s right because I respond appropriately to correction and to life experiences.
As well, I do what’s right because of a desire to live a precept-driven life. Consequently, knowing and doing inform good judgment, as diagrammed below.
A First Principle
Now, don’t miss the obvious, that Proverbs 21.3 is a first principle, thus an essential teaching.
This one-verse version of the first principle appears elsewhere in scripture. For example, see Micah 6.6-9.
In fact, Micah says God expects me to form sound decisions in a way that’s merciful. In addition, those actions reflect humility toward God.
Therefore, I cannot simply go through the motions of life.
Essentially, I must be more than a rational decision maker. Instead, I must be building a character that’s marked by mercy and humility.
Impactful leaders carefully balance knowing and doing with a discerning character that defines their being.
Leadership Insight
The leadership and decision-making literature emphasize a sound, repeatable set of steps for making decisions.
Arguably, the emphasis is on the process. Hence, the assumption that a sound process produces sound actions.
So far, so simple.
However, without reducing the importance of process, the precepts strongly emphasize knowing and doing what’s right and what’s fair.
Knowing and Doing In Practice
Granted, an impactful leader doesn’t shoot from the hip. However, an impactful leader does accept unbiased advice about what’s right.
Then, the leader combines that knowing with execution or doing that’s balanced and fair. In so doing, an impactful leader acts in a way that enhances the human side of the enterprise. How so? Through actions that are based on a merciful and humble character.
More importantly, an impactful leader knows the difference between right and wrong. I get it – that’s obvious. However, a quick scan of the news suggests many business and political leaders don’t know that difference!
Remember, an impactful leader has the moral courage to do what’s right. As such, they’re busy about doing what’s expected of them. Then, as a result, they’re impactful!
Apply This Today!
A hard-headed, know-it-all doesn’t know or do what’s right because they’re not teachable. Now, don’t be that leader!
Conversely, impactful leaders are humble enough to accept instruction so they can “know what they don’t know.” Be that leader!
In addition, impactful leaders effectively combine knowing what’s right with doing what’s right to the benefit of those around them.
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