Here’s some advice to my grandchildren. It’s based, in part, on the precepts I’ve learned from the Book of Proverbs.
So, what advice would I give to my grandchildren? Well, the short answer to the question is “I don’t have a clue!”
The question begs the point of giving advice from where I currently live. There’s simply no way of knowing the specifics of the situations that the next generation will be facing.
That said, there are some common elements of advice that carry across generations, decades, technology advances, and accepted lifestyles. Here are several.
Think Critically
Learn to think critically. That means to ask basic questions such as “Is that really true?” It also means to develop the capacity to think on your feet – to think fast. As well, it means to think slowly – to deeply consider an issue over a period of time before making a choice.
Those who don’t think critically make quick, rash decisions that most often are problematic. In the U.S. today there’s a general lack of critical thinking. Instead, there’s simple-mindedness that believes every conspiracy theory and every lie that comes along.
Be discerning
Critical thinking is supported by discernment. A discerning person knows the difference between right and wrong because they are able to see below the surface of an issue. They stop and consider. Discernment is built by asking for wise counsel. So, first I must know who a good source of information is, then I must be willing to ask them for their advice.
Discernment is aided by sense making. That’s the ability to recognize what’s going on and place it into context. Sense making supports foresight, the ability to see around corners and recognize likely outcomes.
Exercise good judgment
Critical thinking paired with discernment produces good judgment. Thus, I make decisions that are appropriate, defensible, just, and insightful. In turn, good judgment drives wise behavior. And, the outcome of that most fundamental progression is a stable life.
Where did this progression come from? From Proverbs 1.2-6. There, Solomon encourages us “to know wisdom” where wisdom is defined in terms of knowing, doing, and being.
Live in balance
Balance is fundamentally being guided by a just character – thus, my being or character. My character, thus being, allows me to balance knowing and doing.
An out-of-balance life may be all knowing; ever learning, arrogant, but never accomplishing anything of significant value.
However, at the other extreme, an out-of-balance life is all doing. That is, acting first then thinking later. When knowing and doing are in balance I make wise choices.
Remember, knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing are two very different things! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Know – Do – Be
This Know-Do-Be mental model is ancient. Solomon used it in the early verses of Proverbs Chapter 3 to discuss the benefits of a righteous life. In short, a life that trusts God wholeheartedly.
We must know the law (torah) – what’s required. We must practice the precepts (mitsvah) – the practical application of the law. Get this model right so you can live in balance.
In Proverbs 6.20-23 the law is the light we receive from God. The precepts are the lamp that enables us to carry that light around with us, hence practical application of the law. A willingness to learn, to be disciplined – the burning of the oil in the lamp – is the third component.
In short, a precept-driven life grasps and closely follows God’s leading!
Begin with WHO
Pursuing life purpose – my WHY – is pointless without first knowing my WHO. Therefore, begin with WHO. Ignore the world’s recommendation to begin with WHY.
Instead, have a deep understanding of yourself, your strengths, your decision style, and what motivates you. Over time, as you grow personally and professionally you will come to recognize your God-given life purpose.
How do I begin with WHO? By being a learner. By reflecting on life experiences so you can draw insights from what has happened around you. The source? Note the opening verses of the early chapters of Proverbs. There Solomon repeatedly says “listen,” “be a learner,” and “give me your heart.”
Get over yourself
In Proverbs, for example Proverbs 2.6, wisdom is defined in terms of the Know-Do-Be model. Essentially, wisdom is what you know through experiences combined with what you can do with what you know.
Now, here’s the point: Solomon never once mentions native intelligence. Or common sense.
As such, wisdom isn’t about how smart I am. Likewise, success in life isn’t driven by beauty, athletic ability, or working harder/longer than everyone else.
Instead, wisdom is about my willingness to learn from experience, to build fundamental traits such as discretion and discernment. But, most critically, wisdom is about my willingness to trust God’s plan and God’s timing for how and when my life plays out.
Recognize ultimate value
The scriptural imperative is “What does it profit you…”
Without an understanding of:
1). Your spiritual nature,
2). Your responsibility to God Himself, and
3). A response to the “whosoever” call
You miss what’s of ultimate value. Life success without clarity regarding who I am before God is no success at all.
Spend time pursuing reverence. Be still and know God. Recognize that a life lived without a personal faith is very temporal and shallow.
Apply This Today!
So, there are seven things I would discuss with my grandchildren, assuming they were willing to sit and listen to some old man ramble around about life!
If we’re living in a fog it’s because we have chosen to be simple minded – believing everything, or arrogant – knowing everything!
Therefore, choose life! Therefore, choose to know wisdom!