Proverbs 18.1 holds out the possibility of personal growth. However, it assumes there is desire and effort. That said, my goal is personal growth.
The Basics of Growth
The Proverbs date from 1000 BC. As such, they could be one the earliest collections of personal growth materials.
In fact, Proverbs may be the very first professional development blog!
Now, 3000 years later we can rediscover these precepts!
So, in simplest terms, here are three basics of growth.
1). First, there must be a deep desire to develop personally.
2). Next, that desire is combined with the right content.
3). Then, is the self-discipline to apply that content.
As a result, the outcome is significant change in my character. That is, who I am at my core.
In turn, that character change brings dramatic growth in who I am. Also, it increases my capacity to contribute as a professional.
Unquestionably, the life choices offered in the Proverbs are grounded in a faith in God.
Moreover, He’s the provider of wisdom. As well, He gives life direction about applying the insights I’m gaining.
The Goal
My goal is personal growth. Specifically, in wisdom as stated in Proverbs 1.2: “… to know wisdom …”
Actually, Solomon modeled this life goal, saying in Ecclesiastes 1.17: “… I gave my heart to know wisdom …”
Thus, I must know where wisdom is found, in “words of insightful capacity …”, Proverbs 1.2. Next, I must be willing to listen if I’m to absorb those insights, Proverbs 1.5.
Wisdom Defined
Solomon defines wisdom, using the Hebrew word chokmah, in Proverbs 2.6. There, he says the two primary components of wisdom are knowledge and experiential insight.
Most basically, wisdom is factual knowledge combined with experiential insights. When combined, insights allow me to effectively use that knowledge.
In short, as defined in Proverbs, wisdom is what I know combined with what I can do with what I know.
However, wisdom as a concept is much older than Solomon. For example, Moses wrote about wisdom in Psalm 90.12. Yes, that’s correct, Moses!
“So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” Psalm 90.12 KJV
Essentially, Moses observed that I must be careful about using the time I have: “number our days…” And then, I must be intentional about personal growth: “apply…heart unto wisdom.”
So, Moses like Solomon, identified desire, right content, and disciplined application as keys to personal growth.
Now, here’s that same Psalm 90.12 prayer of Moses paraphrased as a personal application:
Teach me to be a faithful steward of my time by focusing my character growth on knowing wisdom. Psalm 90.12 paraphrase
A Learner’s Attitude
So, like Moses and Solomon, my goal is personal growth.
But, that said, my attitude toward the teaching of wisdom must be that of a learner.
Why? Because I don’t learn if I know it all already. As well, there’s no learning if I refuse to change my behavior because I will not consider views that conflict with mine.
Thus, hard-headedness and confirmation bias are two enemies of personal growth.
However, I should combine a growth motivation, Proverbs 1.2, with a learner’s attitude, Proverbs 1.3. Consequently, I’m willing to try, fail, reflect, get wise counsel, then try again.
As a result, I adapt. And, I will see growth in my life. Thankfully, that growth is marked by “increased learning” Proverbs 1.5.
The Audience
The setting here in Proverbs Chapter 1 is a parent-child conversation. As such, Solomon uses the term “young man” in Proverbs 1.4.
Again, He says, “My son” in Proverbs 1.8 referencing both parents: “instruction of your father … law of your mother.”
Obviously, the mom gets to lay down the law while the dad simply tosses out some suggestions from time to time!
Therefore, wisdom building isn’t an early-career-only task but can begin as a child. Likewise, the “don’t forsake” in Proverbs 1.8 indicates that I must always be mindful of these fundamentals.
Four times he uses the word “instruction” in Proverbs 1.2-8. In each case, the Hebrew word is musar that means correction or discipline.
Hence, this teaching strongly suggests that the wisdom-building process requires self-discipline and deliberate practice over an extended time period.
Practically, by studying the Proverbs, we get to sit in on these conversations between Solomon and his children. But, given some of the topics discussed, in several cases these were adult children.
Nevertheless, we hear the precepts known as wisdom. Moreover, through study we become the intended audience.
Well, it’s good to have a father who teaches us these fundamentals.
For instance, from my own father, I learned the importance of faithfulness in relationships. And, hard work. Also, spirituality. As well, honesty and good stewardship. In fact, I watched him model those traits in the way he lived his life.
So, I don’t have to be Solomon to teach my children well.
Mental Models
Remember, I will see growth in my life in those areas where I am investing and where I am intentional. Hence, sow-reap.
In addition, the “wise counsels” of Proverbs 1.5 is an application of circle of competence.
Next, Proverbs 1.7 defines reverence as the starting point for knowledge. Thus, Solomon is reasoning from the most fundamental of all first principles.
Unsurprisingly, three, heavily-used, mental models appear in the wisdom literature, at the beginning of Proverbs.
Basically, factual knowledge begins with a respectful attitude toward God. As such, wisdom stems from Lordship. Thus, obedience.
Admittedly, I can be knowledgeable without reverence. However, I cannot grasp the spiritual essentials of life absent reverence. Therefore, a lack of reverence hinders my personal growth.
What’s In It For Me?
So, if I will listen and change, wisdom brings along with it a suite of useful traits.
Specifically, from Proverbs 1.3-6: wise behavior, justice, fair treatment of others, sound decisions, subtilty, deep thinking, discernment, and grasping the moral of what’s being taught.
Wow, that’s quite a list!
Moreover, these companion traits to wisdom become my source of influence, if I behave myself wisely.
“David … behaved himself wisely … he was accepted in the sight of (everyone) …” 1 Samuel 18.5 KJV
Get this – wisdom isn’t the end point! As such, it’s not about how much I know!
Why? Because being intentional about building wisdom should produce character change in me. Thereby, it changes who I am inside.
Then, that inner change is reflected in how I act and how I treat others. Hence, those traits that accompany wisdom.
In short, as described in Proverbs 1.5, wisdom takes me to the place of a wise and discerning character.
Success isn’t about how much I know but about how deeply what I know transforms who I am!
How I Get There
First, the wisdom-gaining process involves listening, Proverbs 1.5 “hear”.
Second, applying what I’ve learned Proverbs 1.5 “increase learning”.
Third, I must think. Ugh! So, the process is facilitated by deep thoughtfulness, Proverbs 1.4. In part, as I carefully consider the precepts.
Also, as aided by mentors, called “wise counsels” in Proverbs 1.5. Don’t miss the plural!
Thus, wisdom building is a team sport! Again, it’s not about how much I know individually!
“… in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11.14 KJV
At its core, the wisdom-gaining process begins with reverence, Proverbs 1.7. So, miss that and miss it all!
Reverence for the Lord brings the correction that produces wisdom. In addition, humility precedes promotion. Proverbs 15.33 paraphrase
Humility and Grace
Then, the wisdom-gaining process yields grace, Proverbs 1.9: “(Wisdom) is an ornament of grace …”
As expected, this grace is timeless. For instance, Noah found grace or favor, Genesis 6.8. In addition, the precepts, when combined with thoughtfulness, are a source of life and grace, Proverbs 3.21-22.
Remember, we access grace through humility, Proverbs 3.34: “(God) gives grace to the humble.” So, lose the arrogance!
Thus, grace from God is a gift I receive as I actively apply wisdom into my life.
God gives us more grace, thus we read: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4.6 paraphrase
Apply This Today!
My goal is personal growth!
However, I need the right goal, right attitude, right process, and right foundation regarding wisdom. As such, I’ve position myself for character change. Also, I’m ready for significant personal and professional growth.
Actually, both who I am and what I can accomplish will change dramatically as I absorb and apply the precepts.
Similarly, I possess the potential for significant personal and professional growth. But, I must pair that potential with focused desire and deliberate practice.
Above all, wisdom begins with personal reverence and brings God’s grace into my life.
Now, what a remarkable outcome for me!
The question then becomes: “Do I truly recognize God’s grace at work in and around me?”
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
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