Fools don’t receive honor because it doesn’t fit them. Instead, foolish overconfidence destroys influence.
Foolish Overconfidence
Proverbs 14.16 says the foolishly overconfident are angry. Also they’re irreverent. As a result, fools push forward while the wise avoid the danger.
No surprise, the Proverbs criticize arrogance.
In fact, the Hebrew word kesil that’s translated fool or foolish appears 49 times in Proverbs! Additionally, over 95% of the uses of this Hebrew word are in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Moreover, in Proverbs 26.1-12 the word kesil appears 11 times. Interestingly, we learn that the overconfident:
1). Have no influence, Proverbs 26.1 and 26.8
2). Are disciplined repeatedly, Proverbs 26.3
3). Are argumentative, Proverbs 26.4, because they’re conceited, Proverbs 26.5 and 26.12
4). Are undependable, Proverbs 26.6, in part, because they keep doing the same dumb things, Proverbs 26.11
5). Lack discernment, Proverbs 26.7 and 26.9
6). Ultimately are accountable (to God), Proverbs 26.10
Well, that’s quite a list! Unfortunately, that’s less that a quarter of the references to overconfidence in Proverbs.
Obviously, the issue is important because overconfidence gets more verses in Proverbs than simple-mindedness!
Thus, foolish overconfidence is widespread. What’s worse, foolish overconfidence destroys influence.
Destroying Influence
So, how does someone get into this predicament? Certainly no one has the life goal of becoming foolishly overconfident!
Remember, we’re invited to develop wisdom. For example, see Proverbs 1.20 and Proverbs 8.1. Thus, I choose to grow because I choose to be precept-driven. And, growth becomes life itself!
Actually, wisdom is a choice. Conversely, wisdom isn’t native intelligence!
Likewise, overconfidence is a choice made by some.
Actually, overconfidence is a choice. Conversely, overconfidence isn’t native stupidity!
Getting Foolish Overconfidence
So, how does someone get themselves into the trap of foolish overconfidence? Well, one step at a time I believe.
Actually, the hardheaded get more so with every argument because they cannot be reasoned with. What’s more, no amount of discipline is effective.
Worse yet, the problems continue to compound because life difficulty doesn’t produce new insights or any serious self-examination. Instead, there’s continued blaming of others for every problem.
In short, nothing changes for the overconfident because they don’t learn from life experiences.
But, in frustration, wisdom cries out to the overconfident in Proverbs 1.22 saying “How long…” Well, apparently, “how long” is for the entire life of a fool!
Leadership Insight
Few things destroy a leader’s influence quicker than arrogance. And, that arrogance is fueled by overconfidence.
Eventually, the leader stops listening to sound advice because he or she is convinced they’re unstoppable. And, they cannot be defeated!
So, how bad is it?
Well, a Google search on the phrase “arrogance and leadership” returns millions of links. In addition, a search of “Lehman and arrogance” returns tens of thousands of links!
Remember the meltdown of the financial markets in 2007-2009? As it turned out, many firms were brought down by the overconfidence of their leaders.
Unfortunately, the problem continues in business today. For example, see this recent article about bank layoffs.
Thus, leaders who are arrogantly overconfident are destructive!
In fact, what the Proverbs observed 3,000 years ago about foolish overconfidence is widespread today.
And, not only does it destroy firms but overconfidence destroys the influence needed to address serious challenges.
A Way Forward
So, don’t be that arrogant leader!
Instead, choose to be precept-driven.
In so doing, your leadership will exhibit traits such as:
Discernment.
Plus critical thinking.
And good judgment.
Also, sound decisions.
Ultimately, the result is decisiveness for the leader.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com