Proverbs 13.13 is a contrast. In fact, it contrasts hardheadedness and reverencing the precepts. When I get the fundamentals, I get rewarded!
Hardheadedness is destructive but reverence for the precepts brings reward. Proverbs 13.13 paraphrase
What’s Important?
I pay attention to what’s important to me. Conversely, I ignore what’s unimportant.
It’s important for me to get “important” right because – that’s important!
When I misidentify the essentials, I’m headed for trouble.
Here are some individual-level examples of bad outcomes resulting from this life truth. First, abusing my health. Then, ignoring important relationships. Finally, spending more than I make every month.
You can likely think of other ways to destructively burn the candle at both ends!
Likewise, it’s easy to think of examples of where ignoring fundamentals has led to market losses or bankruptcy.
For example, bundling high-risk mortgages and reselling them. That didn’t reduce the poor performance of those individual mortgages during a downturn in the economy because they were high risk to begin with.
Therefore, get the fundamentals right!
Get the Fundamentals
The advice in Proverbs 13.13 is to treat the precepts as something of great value. To do that, recognize what’s important.
The verse uses the term “reverence,” also translated “fear” and “respect,” to showcase value.
Like Abraham and Isaac, I’m not to be paralyzed by inaction because of fear. However, I am to recognize the value of a reverent life.
Don’t be fearful to the point of inaction, thus refusing to grow personally and professionally.
At the other extreme, don’t be hardheaded and arrogantly overconfident so that I ignore the fundamentals of personal conduct and commerce.
In contrast to reverence for the fundamentals, despising the word is destructive. What does that mean?
Those who despise the word ignore sound advice. They are unteachable. They’re hardheaded. As a result, they are set up to fail!
Why failure? Because the laws of nature, the rules of sustainability, and the basics of human conduct are absolute.
It’s obvious that a business without profit will eventually fail. Similarly, organizations are increasingly unwilling to the put up with the arrogant bully who happens to be the boss. The rules really do apply to me!
The opposite of arrogance is not a lack of confidence. It’s deference. Tim David
Get Rewarded!
What’s in it for me?
What’s the payoff for knowing the fundamentals and living a precept-driven life?
Proverbs 13.13 uses the term “reward.” The Hebrew word means to make whole, to repay, or to reach my potential.
Psalm 31.23 says the payoff is negative for the proud.
Conversely, Proverbs 25.21-22 says the reward is positive when I respond maturely to mistreatment. Thus, don’t get even by paying back bad with more bad, Proverbs 20.22.
What’s the reward? It’s not financial or material.
The reward for a precept-driven life is relational, emotional, and spiritual.
A precept-driven life enjoys lasting friendships, greater self-confidence, and enduring peace with God.
What a reward!
Personal Insight
At the time of writing this I’m three-and-a-half years into my study of Proverbs. That study typically involves the first hour each weekday, plus additional time on weekends.
The Proverbsforprofessionals.net blog is one outcome of those weekly studies.
The blog is a way for me to give back after a 50-year career.
What’s the material and career payoff? Well, I’m certainly not wealthy!
That said, I did accept an appointment as business school dean a year into the study. However, I think the appointment was, in part, an element of my intentional professional development. That growth was ongoing for several years before the appointment.
Thus, my study in Proverbs is important to my professional growth.
So, where’s the ultimate payoff? What’s the reward for me?
Of greater importance than the blog, I believe, is that I’m beginning to understanding what a precept-driven life is.
I’m practicing this stuff before writing about it!
For example, six months into my study of Proverbs we lost a grandchild. He lived for only nine months. I was able to share some insights about that loss with family, and others, because of my personal growth through this study.
So, get the fundamentals – get rewarded!
Leadership Insight
Ok, I get the interpersonal aspect of living according to the precepts. But, how does this transfer to where I work?
Can compassionate managers thrive in the workplace? Can a stakeholder-focused organization be profitable?
To answer the organizational question, listen to Mark Crowley’s podcast where he interviews Michael Gelb. They discuss the book The Healing Organization. The firms discussed in the book operate to the benefit of their employees, customers, and communities. And, they generate profits!
Can individual managers succeed by exhibiting candor, compassion, and emotional maturity? Similarly, can I move forward in my career without stepping on others?
The 3,000 year old observations in Proverbs 13.13, 20.22, and 25.21-22 all point to the reward for getting the fundamentals right.
The popular press and academic studies support the value added for leaders who exhibit compassion in the workplace. Yes, compassion is linked to success!
Thus, get the fundamentals – get rewarded!
Nice guys do finish first as long as they learn how not to let others take advantage of them. Adam Grant
Apply This Today!
How others perceive me impacts my effectiveness as a leader. How am I viewed? I should ask, perhaps as part of a 360 review.
As a leader, I can listen to understand, then respond with empathy. I can do so while still upholding organizational expectations regarding performance.
Stay on task when you are attacked personally. Focus on the goal at hand rather than on defending yourself.
Therefore, get the fundamentals – get rewarded!
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
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