Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident. Our growth is a deliberate choice.
Not Accidental!
Inner change, thus a transformed character, isn’t accidental. We don’t stumble into personal growth. Instead, we make a deliberate choice regarding inner change.
In Proverbs 23.26 we read “…give me your heart.” There “heart” (Hebrew Leb) is the seat of our emotions, feelings, and our will. Repeatedly in Proverbs we read this invitation to let wisdom change us from the inside out. For examples, see Proverbs 2.2 “…apply your heart…”, 3.3 “…write on the table of your heart…”, 4.4 “…let your heart retain my words…” and 6.21 “…bind (the precepts and law) continually on your heart…”
Our changed character, in turn, guides our reasoning, which then impacts our actions. Hence, who we are influences, for better or worse, the outcomes we experience in life.
A Good Example
In Proverbs 23.26 personal transformation is paired with an example of right behavior, saying in effect: watch me. Thus, our growth is guided by a wise example, by a mentor who has grown where we need to grow. In fact, Proverbs 13.20 reminds us that when we walk with the wise, we become wise ourself!
Intentional character development involves following a good example. Proverbs 23.26 paraphrase, proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Outcome of Intentionality
We choose, on purpose, precept-driven character development. We’re intentional about personal growth, grounded in reverence (see Proverbs 1.7 and 9.10). That inner change creates in us a wise heart, thus a character shaped by knowing wisdom.
What does wise heartedness look like in practice? The wise hearted (Hebrew Chakam Leb):
1). Absorb the fundamental teachings of wisdom, Proverbs 10.8
2). Are discerning and learning, Proverbs 16.21
3). Practice self-control, Proverbs 16.23
4). Bring joy to their mentor Proverbs 23.15.
Apply This Today!
What’s driving you? The clear message of Proverbs is to choose – on purpose – to be shaped by the teachings of wisdom. In so doing we’re positioned to be a positive influence on others.
Personal growth is a deliberate choice, not our default setting!
Growth cannot be unplanned, taking opportunities that happen along. Instead, we must have awareness about gaps, that is, places where we need to grow. Then, grow in those places.
A Question to Consider
What factors influence your growth mindset?
’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
To interact with me, use the links in the Contact Me tab of this blog.
