A precept-driven life improves my ability to think deeply. Moreover, thoughtfulness produces sound decisions in regard to dealing with others. Therefore, deep thoughtfulness increases my discretion.
How often did your parents and teachers tell you to think before you act? Well, a whole bunch, right?
Fact is, thoughtfulness, when combined with carefully selected actions, can keep me out of lots of problems because I’m thinking before acting.
So, what’s the issue?
Actually, it’s not that I lack mental capacity. Instead, I believe that the root problem is my lack of self discipline.
Above all, the problem is my unwillingness to think deeply about how I respond to situations around me.
Therefore, I’m my own worst enemy at times!
Building Thoughtfulness
Proverbs Chapter 2 is a conversation between a parent and (I believe) an adult child.
The topic, unsurprisingly, is “think before you act.”
Thus, I’m encouraged to get a grip on life by:
1). Absorbing the precepts (Proverbs 2.1).
2). Allowing the precepts to change me inside (2.2).
3). Considering what’s most valuable (2.3-4).
4). Seeing reverence as the source of true wisdom (2.5-8).
5). Using the precepts to build discernment and good judgment (2.9).
So then, what’s the outcome of these five actions?
Deep Thoughtfulness + Experiential Insight = Discretion
I build deep thoughtfulness (Proverbs 2.10-11). As a result, that thoughtfulness, when combined with experiential insight (2.11), produces discretion (2.12-19).
Above all, discretion is of value in regard to interpersonal choices.
Moreover, that deep thoughtfulness can offset my inexperience, according to Proverbs 1.4-5.
Clearly-defined personal values, when guided by reverence, produce in me character change. In fact, the change is both long-lasting and highly profitable!
Building Discretion
But, discretion where? In what contexts?
Basically, the conversation focuses on two situations where discretion is needed.
First, I need discretion in dealing with those who are difficult, argumentative, and at times, dishonest (Proverbs 2.12-15).
Now, there’s some guidance I can use every day!
Second, I need discretion in regard to inappropriate relationships (Proverbs 2.16-19). Specifically, the warning here is that it’s impossible to become involved in an affair and not face serious consequences.
Actually, according to Proverbs 2.19 there’s no way out because you have reached the point of no return once you’ve gone that far!
So, why do some people get involved in inappropriate relationships? I suspect because they’re not thinking. They lack discretion. As a result, they don’t exercise good judgment.
Conversely, deep thoughtfulness increases my discretion.
Leadership Insight
First, reverence. Then, discernment. Clear values.
Also, be precept-driven. And use discretion.
Then, good judgment. Sound decisions.
Similarly, wise counsel that provides impartial advice.
In addition, experiential insight. Factual knowledge. Being teachable.
Above all, do right. And equity. Justice. Fairness. …
This conversation in Proverbs 2 is about deeply understanding this list of life basics.
Moreover, it’s about who I am, at my core, as a leader because without a just character there’s no lasting influence.
The reality is that this list of traits must be used when the leader is faced with conflicting evidence.
Or incomplete information.
In addition, you face deeply divided opinions.
That are being shared by people who are hard to deal with. Because, unfortunately, some of them have self-serving motives.
However, leaders must function by determining what’s appropriate when right-wrong simply isn’t all that clear.
If you are a leader you have been in that place!
The point here is that without thinking clearly and deeply it’s difficult for the leader to find a way forward.
The leader must exercise discretion when moving forward toward a choice. Deep thoughtfulness increases my discretion.
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