The pattern in the book of Proverbs is for us to be changed from the inside out. So, I change WHO I am before I change WHAT I do!
Heart not head
Guess what, character transformation is a major theme in Proverbs! Repeatedly, Solomon asks us to give him our heart, that is our character.
Ok, where can I find these verses? For some examples, see Proverbs 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.4, 6.21, 7.3, 8.5, 14.33, and 15.14.
Conversely, he never asks for my head. Therefore, his focus is on character transformation, not on native intelligence. Most simply, it’s not how smart I am, but how willing I am to be changed from the inside out!
A reverential character
Character transformation must follow reverence. Why? Because reverence is the basis for wisdom and knowledge according to Proverbs 1.7 and Proverbs 9.10.
In fact, flowing out of that Know-Do balance from wisdom is wise-heartedness, Proverbs 10.8. That is, a character transformed by the precepts.
In short, to transform my behavior, I start with reverence. Then, I focus on my character.
Begin with WHO
Next, arising out of character transformation is the ability to behave wisely, Proverbs 1.2-7. Don’t miss this truth! Before I change my behavior, I must change my character.
Therefore, I begin with WHO I am – first before God, second to myself.
Void of character
In contrast to being wise-hearted and wise-behaving, Solomon describes those who are void of character. In fact, “lack of character,” as a phrase, pairs the Hebrew word Chaser – translated as lacking, want, void of, fail, and destitute – with the Hebrew word Leb, heart.
Actually, Solomon used the phrase “lack of character” twelve times in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. In contrast, he uses the term wicked (Hebrew Ra and Rasha) over 80 times to describe a godless person. That said, he only uses the phrase “wicked heart” twice, in Proverbs 10.20 and Proverbs 26.23.
Thus, it seems that a lack of character means underdeveloped or simple-minded. Moreover, it means someone who has not become precept driven, and isn’t wise-hearted.
For reference, the phrase “void/destitute/want of character” appear in Proverbs in the following verses: 6.32, 7.7, 9.4, 9.16, 10.13, 10.21, 11.12, 12.11, 15.21, 17.18, and 24.30. Also, in Ecclesiastes 10.3.
Outcomes of character change
So what? Well, the character change that comes along with a precept-driven life produces several valuable traits, including:
1). Experiential insight (Proverbs 11.12, 15.21),
2). Discernment (Proverbs 10.13),
3). Integrity (Proverbs 10.21, 15.21), and
4). Sense making (Proverbs 9.6).
Unfortunately, when I ignore wisdom’s call, I run into many problems such as:
1). Poor interpersonal choices (Proverbs 6.32, 7.7, 11.12),
2). Simple-mindedness (Proverbs 7.7, 9.4, 9.16),
3). Hard-headedness (Proverbs 10.21), and
4). Misuse of resources (Proverbs 12.11, 17.18, 24.30).
As such, an un-conformed character is a source of trouble that fails when I must need it (Ecclesiastes 10.3). Worse yet, I seem to enjoy my wasted life (Proverbs 15.21)!
Life lessons
Now, what to do?
First, spend time learning the universal precepts as presented in Proverbs. Why? Because that learning produces a wise heart or character.
Second, I then replace a lack of character with beneficial traits such as sense making, discernment, and experiential insight. In so doing, I give up simple-mindedness and a lack of discretion.
To me, that sounds like a very productive trade-off as I enter into a balanced, abundant life!
Wherefore, choose deliberately to be changed from the inside out!
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