To live an in-balance life I need to get the basics right. As such, those life fundamentals include sound judgment, mercy, and humility.
The Precept Explained
It’s hard to measure progress without an end-point in mind.
Likewise, it’s difficult to receive a valid performance evaluation if expectations aren’t clearly communicated.
Similarly, before I can have an in-balance life I must know what’s critical for that life.
What’s Most Critical
Actually, this issue is raised in Micah 6.6-9.
There, the prophet asks four questions in verses 6 and 7.
In short, the questions are about what I have to show for my life. Thus, I’m being measured against divine expectations.
The response, in Micah 6.8, says you already know the answer! Moreover, the expected behavior is rated as “good.” And, it uses the same word “good” that describes creation in Genesis 1.4.
An In-balance Life
In other words, what’s acceptable is an in-balance life.
1). As such, that life is marked by good judgment – “…to do justly…”. See Micah 6.8, and Proverbs 2.9 and 21.3.
2). Also, that balanced life shows mercy – “…to love mercy…” See Micah 6.8, and Proverbs 3.3 and 14.22.
3). Finally, an in-balance life is humble – “walk humbly with God.” So, that’s explained in Micah 6.8 and Proverbs 11.2, and other passages.
In other words, I must know and do judgment, mercy, and humility. As guided by careful reasoning. Then, I move toward the balance described in the following diagram.
Obviously, pride and humility contrast with each other.
Humility as an Entry Point
However, Proverbs 11.2 says humility is critical. Why? Because it’s the attitude that opens me to wisdom.
In turn, sound judgment comes from soaking up wisdom, Proverbs 1.3. Therefore, these expected traits reinforce each other.
So, who listens to this reasoning? According to Micah 6.9, it’s those who know the content of wisdom!
The picture here is of being engaged in doing right. Also, in being merciful. And, in staying humble. For other, parallel passages, see Hosea 6.6 and Matthew 9.13.
What counts most is practical reverence and being merciful. Hosea 6.6 paraphrase
Similarly, in Proverbs 2.6-9, the wisdom content 2.7, produces in me sound decisions 2.8-9. As expected, those decisions are grounded in spiritual discernment.
The same Hebrew words are repeated across these passages. Thus, this expectation is a first principle. That is, it’s an essential teaching I must master.
Leadership Insight
Unfortunately, we tend to remember leaders who didn’t make sound decisions. Or, who were vicious rather than merciful. And, who were arrogant. Also, self-consumed. Thus, they weren’t humble.
Conversely, leaders who are wise, caring, and reserved often don’t get publicity.
That said, for the long-term health of an organization, sound judgment is critical.
More importantly, for the emotional well-being of employees and trading partners, caring and mercy can exist alongside profitable operations.
In fact, the arrogant, bull-in-a-china-shop leader produces more long-term damage that sustainable good for an organization. So, don’t be that leader!
Apply This Today!
Knowing what’s right and doing what’s right shouldn’t be separate considerations for a leader.
What’s expected of me is leadership marked by deep integrity.
Good judgment is nice, but it’s less effective, unless balanced with mercy and humility.
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