Proverbs 14.14 contrasts poor character and a good character. Most importantly, it suggests that, ultimately, good character is self-satisfying.
The Precept Explained
What hasn’t worked well for you in the past?
Next, do you, do I, recognize these inappropriate response patterns when they happen?
Then, do we look for ways to change these destructive patterns?
In fact, emotional intelligence asks me to be self-aware enough to see what’s not working.
Then, a growth mindset demands that I find a different way forward.
As a result, I begin to practice healthier responses by recognizing that good character is self-satisfying.
Backsliding Into Old Habits
But, what causes me to slide back into my old habits?
Well, some likely reasons for backsliding include old habits are hard to break. And, I’m not really committed to changing. Or, occasionally, for some reason unknown to me, the old practices work!
Unfortunately, Proverbs 14.14 pushes us past simple habit change. Why? Because it addresses root cause in terms of character. Hence, the contrast between a poor character (“…backslider in heart…”) and a good character.
Personal growth isn’t just about daily habits. Instead, it’s about who I choose to be at my core.
Furthermore, according to Proverbs 11.20, my character affects my relationship with God, not just with others.
Therefore, the impact of intentional change is far-reaching. As a result, I learn that good character is self-satisfying.
A poor character separates me from God, but a just character pleases God. Proverbs 11.20 paraphrase
Outcomes of Good Character
In Proverbs, a good character is often identified by the term “wise hearted.” Those two words together indicate that I have allowed the precepts to change who I am inside.
The diagram that follows summarizes what Solomon observed about a wise character.
In short, a good character:
1). Is self-satisfying
3). Makes wise choices, and
Leadership Insight
Impactful leaders are self-aware enough to know the difference between habit change and character formation.
As such, impactful leaders address issues of their character so they can best serve those around them.
Moreover, they’re sensitive to the needs of co-workers and seek to work at the interpersonal level to address those issues.
Avoiding the Quick Fix
Conversely, impactful leaders don’t shoot for quick fixes.
In fact, these transaction-level, quick fixes are a great example of backsliding into shallow, ineffective decision patterns.
Practically, the quick-fix-habit is problematic because it doesn’t uncover underlying, and often unexpressed, needs or concerns.
An impactful leader exhibits good character by addressing underlying needs. In so doing, the leader learns that good character is self-satisfying.
Apply This Today!
Who I am at my core as a leader shows out in how I treat others. Thus, I must not use the press of daily activity as an excuse for overlooking the needs of co-workers.
Instead, impactful leaders do the hard, daily work of building and protecting their character because they want to maximize their impact on those around them. So, be that leader!
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