There’s a story in Proverbs 24.30-34. In fact, it’s based on observing mismanaged property. As such, Solomon concludes that a good character manages assets well.
The Precept Explained
Perhaps you’re familiar with the term “deferred maintenance.”
Well, it’s a sneaky way of saying the budget is tight. Thus, we’re going to let some physical assets go without needed repairs or updates.
So, for example, you patch a roof that’s leaking rather than replace it.
Unfortunately, deferred maintenance becomes a recurring way of operating.
As a result, the organization’s physical assets decay. And, that decay snowballs over time creating more serious problems.
Mismanaging Assets
Similarly, the observation in Proverbs 24.30-34 discusses the root cause of poor management of assets. Basically, root cause for the asset decay was the character of the manager.
Perhaps there was an accompanying budget crunch. But, poor management and lack of foresight about possible outcomes produced asset decay.
Conversely, impactful leaders are diligent, not lazy.
A lazy person has desire but no motivation. As a result, his persistent greed literally eats him up! Conversely, a just person is generous. Proverbs 21.25-26 paraphrase
Now, that poor management is summarized in the word lazy. More specifically, the Hebrew word for sluggard or slothful appears 14 time in scripture, all in Proverbs!
Therefore, laziness was a big issue to Solomon. In contrast, “the hand of the diligent makes rich”, Proverbs 10.4.
Actually, Solomon pushed back hard on a character that’s disengaged. Also, that mishandles assets. And, that makes poor choices because of shallow-mindedness.
The shallow-minded lack character, thus they make poor choices. Proverbs 7.7 paraphrase
Or, worse yet, the person who always has an excuse. For some examples of excuses from the lazy, read Proverbs 22.13, 10.26, and 20.4.
Outcomes of Good Character
Actually, good character is signaled in Proverbs using the phrase “wise hearted.”
For example, the wise hearted absorb the precepts, Proverbs 10.8. And, the wise hearted are discerning, Proverbs 16.21.
Thus, the following diagram lists references in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes where the phrase wise hearted is used.
Essentially, a good character manages assets well. Then, it exhibits carefulness. Moreover, it accepts correction. And, it’s self-satisfying. Also, it shares wise counsel. As well, it makes wise choices. Finally, the wise-hearted build up many others.
Leadership Insight
As it turns out, Proverbs 24.32 is critical to understanding this brief observation. Why? Because the observer says he set his heart to carefully consider what he saw.
Then, as a result, that careful consideration produced learning or correction.
It’s not enough to recognize a situation, because, to add value, that observation must be paired with conclusions and actions.
The observer had already determined that root cause for poor asset management was a lack of character. Conversely, good character manages assets well.
Unfortunately, the property owner was disengaged. Showing no care for physical assets.
That said, the conclusion was that even a minor lack of attention to details (“…a little sleep…”) can have serious consequences (“…poverty…want…”).
Consequently, an impactful leader is a careful observer and learner. Then, he or she is also a diligent steward of the organization’s assets.
Because, without this careful attention, assets decay and become much less productive.
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders are careful stewards of assets passed down from prior administrations. So, be that leader!
Unfortunately, even a little slackness produces deferred maintenance problems that someone else must correct. Now, don’t be that leader!
Clearly, this story from the end of Proverbs 24 describes a brown field. As such, it needed a visionary leader who saw the potential for the property. So, be that leader because good character manages assets well!
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