The universal precepts of wisdom are accompanied by both thinking on my feet and thinking deeply. In fact, learning and then living the precepts impacts my thinking. Thus, absorbing the precepts changes the way I think.
The Precept Explained:
A precept-driven life expresses knowledge in the form of subtilty and discretion. Proverbs 8.12 paraphrase
The Precept Applied:
What happens if I change the way I think? Or, the way I perceive the world?
Could I change the way I behave by changing the way I think?
Well, according to Brian Tracy you can change your life by changing your thinking! Additionally, thinking drives habits that, ultimately change our behavior. Finally, we can cultivate a growth mindset that will dramatically impact our view of what we can accomplish.
Thus, the research-based answer from multiple sources is Yes, I can change my behavior by changing how I think and how I perceive the world.
Moreover, when I change my behavior I will change my life outcomes.
It’s nice to have scientific evidence. But these observations about how thinking drives my self-perception and thus my behavior are at least as old as Proverbs.
For example, see Proverbs 23.7. Although the example is negative in Chapter 23, the precept is accurate.
For a discussion of Proverbs 23.7, see James Allen’s 1903 classic As A Man Thinketh.
Thinking On My Feet
The Hebrew word ormah is translated by words such as prudence, shrewdness, common sense, and subtilty. It’s used in Proverbs 1.4, here in Proverbs 8.12, and in Proverbs 8.5 (in 8.5 you may see it translated “wisdom”).
Additionally, in both Proverbs 8.5 and Proverbs 1.4, subtilty is the cure for shallow-mindedness.
What’s more, in both Proverbs 1.4 and 8.12 the word partners with deep thoughtfulness.
I’m interpreting the word as thinking on my feet. Why? Because having this capability allows someone who is inexperienced to respond (to pressure) in a way that’s discerning, prudent, and subtle.
Thinking Deeply
The Hebrew word mezimmah means thoughtfulness. It’s translated by words such as discretion, wise choices, and thought. Also, by good sense, sound judgment, and resourceful, depending on the translation you read.
Besides Proverbs 1.4 and 8.12, it’s used in Proverbs 2.11, Proverbs 5.2, and Proverbs 3.21. In each case, it’s an outcome of absorbing the precepts.
Therefore, subtilty and discretion are outcomes of learning, then living out the precepts. In fact, those attributes reflect my thought life because of how I choose to respond. Even if I am inexperienced!
My short-hand for these two is to think quickly and to think deeply. Therefore, they’re the 1,000 BC version of think fast – think slow!
Thus, absorbing the precepts changes the way I think.
Leadership Insights
Proverbs 1.7
Subtilty and discretion are great assets for a leader.
How so? Well, when’s the last time you responded in anger or frustration to someone? Perhaps in an open meeting?
Who was at fault?
Guess what? It doesn’t matter who was at fault! Also, it doesn’t matter if the perceived attack was done on purpose or on accident.
What was the outcome? How much effort was needed to repair the damage done?
What’s worse, when a leader causes a problem up the chain, the damage isn’t simply one-on-one between the manager and his or her boss. Sadly, the damage may be to the reputation of the entire business unit.
Exercising Discretion
We all know about the gap between stimulus and response. All leaders have been counseled to wait, to think, and to consider how to respond – appropriately.
The issue isn’t knowledge of the gap. The issue is overcoming embedded response patterns that lead to emotional hijackings. Because pausing is difficult. Besides, I know that I shouldn’t let prior interactions with that jerk … wait … did I just say that?
Never forget Hanlon’s Razor: Don’t attribute to bad intentions that which is best explained by incompetence!
I realize it’s easy to say “wait” and hard to live it out.
What’s more, as leaders, we’ve all read the same list of suggestions. Such as count to 10. Take a deep breath. Get a drink of water. Or, picture yourself in a different place. Let it go. Perhaps find a way to redirect the anger of the other individual. Or maybe, find some common ground where we can agree.
Subtilty allows me to respond with self-control. I’m able to take the highroad. If you’ve ever interacted with city or county officials while serving as a member of a Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors you understand what highroad means!
Discretion allows me to let it go. It allow me to thoughtfully move toward the long-term goals I have set out without becoming sidetracked or emotionally hijacked.
Plug This In Today!
Subtilty and discretion help me pass the newspaper test. What would I like to see on tomorrow’s front page?
Is it more important for the leader to be right or to best represent the organization? Remember, it’s not about me!
One of the best ways to learn how to think on your feet is to be pushed into situations where you must think on your feet!
When possible, try to find out beforehand what you are walking into. Thus, you may avoid being blind-sided.
A precept-driven life positively impacts my thinking. In turn, my thinking drives my behavior. Thus, to act better I must think better.
Who I am becoming, through intentional personal growth, is one effective way to develop subtilty and discretion.
Thus, absorbing the precepts changes the way I think.
The Source of This Precept
Proverbs 8.12
8.12 I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion. Christian Standard Bible
8.12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. New American Standard Bible
8.12 (The speaker) wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. King James Version
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
