The early verses of Proverbs 4 teach that when I allow the precepts to transform my character I become more insightful.
Listen! Then, become more insightful! Truthfully, parents taught me these fundamentals. And, once planted into your character, these precepts are life itself. Therefore, make insight building your top priority. Proverbs 4.1-6 paraphrase
What is Insight?
What’s insight? And, what’s it mean to be insightful?
Also, why is it so critical for me to become more insightful?
Likewise, how do I become more insightful?
Well, a dictionary definition of the word insight says it’s the ability to see into a situation. Therefore, you understand the inner nature of things.
As such, common synonyms for insight include perception and receptivity. Most simply, you get it!
Likewise, the word insightful is defined as exhibiting insight. Duh! Seriously, those who are insightful are perceptive and prudent.
Therefore, I need to be more insightful to function most effectively. Actually, that means both personally and professionally.
Insight Building
Admittedly, the Proverbs are observational, thus not a scientific or psychological examination.
That said, there’s multi-generational wisdom shared here in Proverbs 4. And, it says insight is the outcome of precept-based living.
Hence, I should be intentional about building wisdom into my character.
Remember, wisdom is found in the precepts of Proverbs and elsewhere in the wisdom literature. The outcome is that I become more insightful.
Specifically, Proverbs 4.4 uses the word “commands.” The Hebrew word is mitzvah, meaning a moral imperative.
As such, the mitzvah are basic precepts for living. Moreover, those precepts bring life insights.
More commonly, mitzvah means a good deed. Thus, I find ways to practically apply these precepts in serving others.
So, by getting these basics right, I build insight into my life.
For example, Solomon shared this truth about insight with his own children. However, nearly 500 years earlier, Moses shared the same formula for growth. For instance, see Deuteronomy 4.1-9.
A precept-driven life displays insight and discernment. Deuteronomy 4.6 paraphrase
Sow insight, Reap Discernment
Personal and professional insights are the building blocks for greater discernment. More importantly, this link between insight and discernment is a first principle.
First principles are defined as the essentials, the basics, thus the nitty-gritty of life. Unsurprisingly, the insight-discernment first principle is explained in Proverbs 2.1-9.
Furthermore, I suspect that the secular term first principle overlaps quite a bit with the scriptural concept of a precept. Unfortunately, at this point, I’m only three and a half years into this study of Proverbs, so give me some more time to decide!
The Timeless Growth Formula
First, being teachable, Proverbs 2.1-2, builds my character because who I am changes. Then, having that growth mindset reflects how much I value insight, Proverbs 2.3-4.
Furthermore, gaining insight produces discernment, Proverbs 2.5. Likewise, that’s known as a discerning character.
In fact, that discernment is spiritual. Nevertheless, building discernment on top of insight enables me to make sound decisions, Proverbs 2.7-8.
See the diagram below for how these pieces fit together.
Sow Insight, Reap Influence
The discipline of a precept-based life brings influence. As such, influence can be both personal and professional.
Now, don’t you want that outcome in your life?
Precepts – Insight – Discernment – Sound Decisions – Influence
Personal Insight
Insights are like tools in my professional-skills toolbox.
First, I intentionally reflect on experiences.
Second, that reflection is guided by the universal precepts.
Third, through that reflective process, I become more discerning into how best to use a specific tool or skill. Hence, I use that skill in a specific situation, to achieve a given outcome.
Recently, I offended someone. It happened in a meeting among my direct reports. Although there was no negative intent on my part but, my comment was offensive to the other person.
As it turned out, the next day the offended individual diplomatically asked me if I knew what I had done.
Consequently, I apologized for the misstatement.
Reflecting back, I didn’t remember making the offensive statement. Whereas, the insight gained was that it’s easy to be unaware of offending others.
In sum, I must become more discrete with my conversation patterns in my role as a leader. If not, I limit my influence.
Leadership Insight
All leaders, I trust, want to be influential.
Because, through influence, leaders achieve organizational objectives. And, by influence, leaders impact the professional growth of others.
In fact, I suspect you’re aware that a time-tested definition for leadership is: “leadership is influence.”
Thus, character development, in the form of insight and discernment, drives the influence of a leader.
Unfortunately, I cannot be influential if my character is flawed.
Fortunately, the Proverbs are very helpful in regard to character building. As such, they teach the importance of practical insight and deep discernment.
Actually, insight plus discernment is a powerful combination!
And, when paired with a spiritual character, the result is sound decisions. Following, those sound decisions impact my influence as a leader.
“Effective leadership is an inside-out job. This is why it is so important to give attention to developing our character.” Michael Hyatt
Apply This Today!
Arguably, one of the easiest ways to build insight is to listen with the intent of understanding the other person. So, rather than form an immediate response, or fall back on prior knowledge, I pay attention to what I’m hearing.
Fact is, I show a discerning character by responding in a non-judgmental way to what I’ve heard.
Fortunately, listening to understand, and then responding discretely, move me toward personal and professional influence.
Wherefore, I must become more insightful!
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