Proverbs 10.21 discusses why a leader should build up others. In fact, an impactful leader’s good character builds up many others.
The Precept Explained
What do you have that you can give back to others?
Likewise, what’s your capability for mentoring others?
Well, answering those questions likely depends on where you are in your career.
Why? Because as I gain leadership experience I have more examples to share with others. But, that assumes I’m willing to share.
Share From Experiences
Now, Proverbs 10.21 is a take-off on that assumption. Thus, leaders who have a good character share their experiential insights when mentoring others.
Conversely, the foolishly unteachable don’t gain experiential insights. In short, they don’t have much in their tool box of experiences to draw from.
Those who don’t learn from experiences suffer the consequences of their lack of character and their unwillingness to share.
Building Up Others
Now, here are the two fundamental constructs in this proverb:
First, a good character builds up others.
Second, a poor character is self-destructive.
Similarly, Proverbs 18.2 argues that the foolishly overconfident are self-consumed. Thus, sharing with others and building up others never crosses their mind because it’s all about them. Unfortunately, it’s never about others!
The foolishly overconfident are so self-consumed that they gain no experiential insight. Proverbs 18.2 paraphrase
A Wise Character
The Proverbs push us to build a wise character, using the term “wise hearted.” I become wise-hearted by absorbing the precepts.
Interestingly, the term wise hearted appeared first in Exodus (e.g., Exodus 28.3, 31.6) where God spoke directly to Moses regarding skills. Then, not again until First Kings 3.12, where God spoke to Solomon about leadership insight. Finally, in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, as applied by Solomon.
The following diagram lists all the verse reverences where Solomon used the phrase wise hearted. Additionally, it shows the elements of a wise character.
Leadership Insight
So then, not much of a choice is it?
I can grow from experiences and develop professionally. And, I can build up a tool kit of experiences that can be shared with others.
Or, I can remain so self-consumed that it’s always about me alone, and no one else.
Mentors As Shepherds
Thankfully, impactful leaders recognize the need to mentor others. In so doing, impactful leaders build impactful teams.
Actually, the Hebrew word that’s translated “feed” in Proverbs 10.21 is often translated “shepherd.” For instance, see Psalm 23.1 “The Lord is my shepherd…”
Therefore, to feed or mentor speaks of seeing a need. Then, the leader acts to meet that need. Hence, this overlap of shepherding and mentoring as performed by an impactful leader. Be that leader!
Also, recognize that the foundation for mentoring is a good character. Truly, a good character builds up many others.
Intentional growth enables an impactful leader to give back generously to others!
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders grow intentionally. In fact, they grow their character by learning from experiences. So, be that leader!
Impactful leaders draw from their personal and professional growth to mentor those around them. So, be that leader!
Impactful leaders have a positive influence on many others, not just a few.
Impactful leaders multiply their personal and professional impact because their good character builds up many others.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com