A character that is right or just is rewarding, according to Proverbs 21.15. It allows me to exercise good judgment, thus make sound decisions. In fact, who I am at my core is critical to my ability to make sound decisions. Thus, when I get my character right, I will realize that a just person exercises good judgment.
Decision-making Skills
How many different ways are there to improve my decision making ability?
Nine ways. Or, according to Inc. and Forbes, five ways. No, wait – the HBR says three ways. But CNBC says 11 ways. Other article list four, seven, and ten ways.
And that’s just in the article titles!
Perhaps the problem may be article titles with numbers in them!
If you want even more options, try searching on “decision making skills,” or “decision making in life,” or “decision making at work.”
Need books on this topic? Amazon lists over 20 pages of book titles that correspond to a search on “decision making skills.”
Want to be more academic with your reading? Search on the term “cognitive bias.”
Ok, I give. Maybe there’s not a definitive, widely-agreed-on list. But we can probably identify an often-repeated set of practices that improve decision making.
However, that’s not the point here. I don’t want a list. And I don’t want a better decision-making algorithm.
What I want is a solid foundation to work from for exercising good judgment.
Good Judgment in Scripture
As you would expect, the Proverbs mention exercising good judgment. In turn, good judgment allows me to form sound decisions.
Additionally, good judgment is an important topic elsewhere in scripture. The Hebrew word that’s translated “judgment” appears over 300 times.
Interestingly, the word is often translated “justice.” I think this shows the strong connection between deciding right and doing what’s right, just, and fair.
A just person exercises good judgment.
Good Judgment in Proverbs
Here are seven verses from Proverbs related to exercising good judgment:
One: In Proverbs 1.3 I read that good judgment can be learned, if I’m teachable.
Two: In Proverbs 2.8-9 I read that reverence and a wise character are linked to good judgment.
Three: According to Proverbs 8.20, absorbing the precepts of wisdom moves me toward good judgment.
Four: Proverbs 21.3 tells me that good judgment and just actions are more important than being religious.
Five: The focus verse in Proverbs 21.15 says those with a just character enjoy exercising good judgment. Conversely, someone with a poor character enjoys foolishness, according to Proverbs 15.21. Yes, I know, the chapter and verse references here are exact opposites!
Six: Additionally, Proverbs 29.4 states that a leader benefits his/her organization by exercising good judgment.
Seven: However, other verses in Proverbs discuss the problems associated with bad influence and poor judgment. For example, bribes can pervert good judgment. See Proverbs 17.23.
Therefore, a just person exercises good judgment.
Good judgment flows out of clear thinking, which then drives sound decisions. As expected, the foundation for this progression is a wise and discerning character (see below).
Building Good Judgment
I can develop good judgment as a leader. That good judgment, in turn, benefits those around me. However, I must be deliberate about absorbing the precepts if I’m to develop good judgment.
Good judgment is closely associated with a just character. Conversely, a foolish character, poor judgment, and bad decisions are close companions.
Why is it enjoyable to exercise good judgment? I suspect because the leader sees the positive impact he or she is having on others!
Of note, Solomon’s good judgment and fair dealings were a source of considerable influence for him. See First Kings 3.28. Solomon’s father was likely an example to him of exercising good judgment (2 Samuel 8.15).
Leadership Insight
Character is critical for a leader. Obviously, poor character leads to ethical breeches that destroy careers.
Thinking clearly and responding decisively is also a critical skill set for a leader. In contrast, muddled thinking and indecisiveness hinder an organization’s strategic response to competition. Additionally, those two aren’t real good for your career either!
A leader must be able to exercise good judgment that is rooted in clear thinking if the leader is to be both decisive and produce sound decisions.
However, I’m not discounting decision algorithms or making decisions under time pressures. Or having to decide when imperfect information is all that’s available. I get it!
The emphasis here in Proverbs isn’t on the decision process, it’s on the underlying character of the decision maker.
A just character is the first principle here!
Two Extremes
Can you have a just character and still make bad decisions? Of course you can. Hence, the role of experience and the need for career assignments that push a leader to build his/her decision-making capabilities.
Now the reverse. Can you have a poor character and still exercise good judgment that leads to sound decisions? I believe that, long term, a poor character erodes the quality of my decisions. Eventually, I become ineffective as a leader, thus lose my influence.
However, when I guard my character above all else I position myself to exercise good judgment that improves the quality of my decisions. The outcome? Greater leadership influence!
Apply This Today!
I will improve the quality of my decisions to the extent that I’m deliberate about exercising good judgment.
The quality of my judgment will improve to the extent that I build a just character.
My just character will develop to the extent that I’m deliberate about absorbing the precepts of wisdom into my life.
Therefore, when I get my character right, I will realize that a just person exercises good judgment!
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