In Proverbs 4.23 I’m instructed to guard my character. Hence, above all else watch your character. Why? Because it’s the source of what comes out of me!
Watch Your Character
I must not allow my character to erode, according to Proverbs 4.23.
How so? By cutting corners. Or, by making excuses. Also, by rationalizing away my true intentions or inappropriate behavior.
Basically, who I am at my core, deep in my heart, drives my thinking, my speaking, and my actions.
Thus, before I can fix my thoughts and behavior, I must first address my character.
Sowing and Reaping
Now, the underlying mental model for Proverbs 4.23 is sow-reap. In fact, I expect to see positive returns in those areas where I invest.
Pride brings humbling or I can sow humility and reap influence! Proverbs 29.23 paraphrase
Conversely, I will see slippage and loss in those areas of my life where I allow neglect to set in.
Unfortunately, sow-reap works in both directions!
I cannot neglect my character and expect good results to follow!
A Personal Observation
I’ve worked in several large organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit.
As such, I’ve lived with internal controls to guide behavior. So, restrictions are pretty common.
However, despite the regulations, examples of ethical lapses were common.
As expected, controls come in the form of rules. Often, the rules are perceived as overbearing. And, they don’t guarantee that everyone will behave in a manner that’s ethical.
Hence, the need for auditors! Plus, more regulations! And ethics training! Also, guidelines for whistle-blowers!
Unfortunately, the annual ethics training doesn’t guarantee that everyone will be honest in their dealings!
Moreover, regulations and ethics training work from the outside-in because they’re an attempt to control behavior.
Conversely, the warning in Proverbs 4.23 suggests that character change should come from the inside-out.
I change who I am and, as a result, that transformation changes how I behave.
Leadership Insight
I suspect that most leaders don’t allow their character to erode on purpose.
However, leaders do face significant time and performance pressures. In addition, office politics are a further complication.
Worse yet, in the press of daily activity a lack of caution may permit small compromises that compound over time.
You know, “Nobody said anything the last time we did this.”
First, there’s a quick answer, hasty email response, or careless comment. Then, it’s taken out of context on social media. In the end, you have a major challenge very quickly.
But, don’t be frozen by inaction and indecisiveness. Instead, I must carefully guard my character. Also, I must maintain a focus on strategic objectives and key performance metrics.
Therefore, above all else watch your character!
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