Continual learning produces a wise and discerning character. Therefore, I should choose to be wise and discerning!
The wise hearted are discerning, especially in regard to learning from others. Proverbs 16.21 paraphrase
The Precept Explained
Continual learners are good listeners.
Also, they actively seek to grow personally and professionally. The Proverbs calls these people wise hearted, meaning they display a wise character.
However, notice that the focus is not on being wise-headed. Thus, this isn’t about how intelligent I am. Or, how street smart I am.
The wise hearted have a sound character that’s marked by discernment, especially in regard to sources for new learning.
Circle of Competence
The underlying mental model for this precept is Circle of Competence. As such, it’s good to know where my competencies are and to focus there.
However, it’s better to recognize where I should extend my competencies in order to build new capacity as I respond to changes around me.
Without character growth there is no corresponding career growth.
Actually, the wise-hearted recognize where they need to grow. As a result, they actively look for ways to expand their circle of competence.
Likewise, this continual growth is vital for a leader because, “what got you here won’t get you there!”
Be Wise and Discerning
So, what’s it like to have a wise character?
Well, in Proverbs we see that the wise-hearted:
1. Absorb the precepts, Proverbs 10.8
2. Rise to positions of leadership, Proverbs 11.29
3. Are discerning, Proverbs 16.21
4. Practice discretion in what they say, Proverbs 16.23
5. Are a joy to others, Proverbs 23.15, and
6. They’re receptive to sound coaching, Proverbs 23.19.
Similarly, in Ecclesiastes we read that the wise hearted are:
1. Able to learn from difficult situations, Ecclesiastes 7.3-4
2. Living a precept-driven life that knows the right time to do the right thing, Ecclesiastes 8.5, and
3. Guided appropriately by the basic precepts of life Ecclesiastes 10.2.
The wise-hearted carefully guard their words. Proverbs 16.23 paraphrase
Becoming Wise-hearted
In short, the wise-hearted are continual learners.
They build a wise character by absorbing – literally soaking up – the universal precepts, Proverbs 10.8 And, they do that by learning from and adjusting to life experiences – both good and bad, Ecclesiastes 7.3-4.
Also, they accept guidance from trusted mentors, Proverbs 23.19.
Building a sound character is good for my soul, Proverbs 19.8. Thus, I should protect my character above all else I do, Proverbs 4.23, because I become my dominant passion Proverbs 23.7.
When I make wisdom building part of my character development, Proverbs 2.10, I will develop interpersonal discretion, Proverbs 2.11.
Therefore, being wise-hearted brings along with it a number of significant benefits.
Leadership Insight
The wise hearted become leaders, in part, because they are discerning. That discernment helps the leader to know right from wrong.
Solomon prayed for the ability to discern right from wrong when he replaced his father as king.
Unfortunately, not being able to distinguish right from wrong disqualifies a person from a position of leadership.
Effective and insightful leaders: 1. Do the right thing 2. At the right time 3. For the right reason.
Apply This Today!
Continual learning makes me wise and discerning. Therefore, I choose to become wise and discerning!
I build a wise character when:
I’m intentional about learning,
I visualize growth opportunities within challenging situations, and
I am humble enough to accept coaching from others.
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com