According to Proverbs 10.8, the wise-hearted soak up the precepts. In other words, a wise character is defined by absorbing the fundamentals of wisdom.
The wise-hearted soak up the precepts but a poor character leads to failure. Proverbs 10.8 paraphrase
Smart or Wise?
Is it better to be smart or to be wise?
If you had to choose between these two extremes, would you select great intelligence or great capacity to influence others by your wise behavior?
I’m not suggesting that Proverbs 10.8 is pushing either one of these extremes. However, the verse certainly is endorsing the lasting value of a wise character.
The contrast in this verse is fairly stark. Be a life-time learner or be a loud-mouthed fool! Develop a wise character or fail! Fortunately, or unfortunately, I get to choose the outcome.
In a best-case scenario we are both smart and wise. We exhibit quick thinking, emotional intelligence, moral courage, and the ability to lead where we have been placed.
Although we don’t control our native intelligence, we can build our emotional intelligence as part of a wise character.
A Wise Character Defined
Wise is defined by words such as wisdom, understanding, discernment, and sound judgment. Being a wise leader brings influence – if I make sound decisions.
Here’s the progression. The wise discern what’s happening and why, in part, from a character that listens to others. They think clearly and calmly. As a result, they are able to form sound decisions.
Those sound decisions produce wise behavior, which in turn, influence others. See the diagram below for how these components fit together.
Sound, just decisions and wise behavior are the desired outcomes. A wise character is the compass to guide those desired outcomes.
Character is defined by words such as moral excellence, reputation, temperament, and firmness – in the sense of being predictable and consistent.
A wise character is evidenced by sound decisions and moral excellence, which produce influence.
Building a Wise Character
In Proverbs 10.8 we read that a wise character is the product of absorbing the precepts.
What’s a precept? Proverbs 10.8 translates the Hebrew word mitzvah as “command” – a moral imperative. The mitzvah are the fundamentals, the basic precepts for living.
A wise character soaks up the fundamentals. It shows a willingness to learn.
Soak up – how? The word translated “receive” in Proverbs 10.8 is used in Genesis 4.11 – the word picture is of the ground soaking up liquid. It’s also used in Genesis 33.10 of accepting a gift.
Using a Wise Character
I should soak up the precepts because they are a gift to me, from God! That gift brings me a wise character.
Keep going! According to Proverbs 16.21 a wise character makes me discerning. Similarly, both Proverbs 16.21 and 18.15 stress the importance of being a learner.
A wise character is discerning!
Keep going! A wise character decides appropriately out of a life foundation that’s just. Similarly, according to Ecclesiastes 8.5, a wise character forms sound decisions in a timely manner.
A wise character knows the right thing to do and the right time to do it!
Absorb the Precepts. Build a Wise Character. Become Discerning. Make Sound Decisions.
Personal Insight
I received a request to adjust a personnel policy. The rationale was compelling because the case for the waiver was defensible. I had support from below and above.
However, the waiver, if mishandled, could open us up to criticism from those who didn’t receive the same benefit. Thus, it was important to seek advice from experts like human resources.
What seemed on the surface to be a compassionate response was more complicated due to other factors. In this case, the decision required a “multitude of counselors” to address equity and legal concerns.
I conclude that discernment isn’t simply a one-off, situational, or solely personal trait. Thus, I should expand my circle of competence by finding wise counsel. Then, I must carefully consider the advice I’m given, before acting.
Intentionally absorbing the universal precepts gives me a wise and discerning character that’s rewarded with a multiplication of learning through the sound advice of others. Proverbs 1.5-6 paraphrase
Leadership Insight
The Proverbs are presenting a non-scientific basis for making sound decisions that influence others. They are based on experiences, observations, and divine revelation.
The Proverbs refer to a just and ethical character as being wise hearted.
However, persuasion and influence do have a strong scientific backing. For example, reference the work of Brian Ahearn. Interestingly, he emphasizes ethical persuasion, thus right motives, which come out of a wise character.
Who I am, and who I am becoming, as a leader directly impact my influence as a leader.
Conversely, once my credibility is damaged by foolish words or actions, my influence as a leader is greatly diminished.
Personnel decisions are a great opportunity to exhibit compassion and sound judgement. Conversely, personnel decisions are a great opportunity for a leader to really mess up!
Obviously, with an ethical base from which to form decisions, my influence as a leader is enhanced. I can start from an intuitive, faith-based approach, as in the Proverbs, or a strictly rational, scientific approach. The desired end point is sound decisions and wise behavior.
Apply This Today!
If I intentionally sow the fundamentals of wise character, I will reap clear thinking, sound decisions, and appropriate actions. Thus, the essence of a wise character defined.
Being intuitive is an essential skill, but it’s of greatest value when I’m first intuitive about my own self and my own motives.
As a leader, my influence is dependent on the ethical soundness of my character.
If I have a wise character, I will seek out and discern good advice from others who have experience in the decision situation I’m struggling with.
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