Hardheadedness is a trait of the foolishly unteachable. In practice, it’s rooted in pride. As a result, the influence of the foolishly unteachable is nonexistent.
The Impact of Hardheadedness
Hardheadedness produces difficulty in life. For example, reread the story of the prodigal in Luke 15.10-32.
Actually, it’s a classic parable of wasting material resources and human potential.
How so? Because the story combines hardheadedness with foolish overconfidence plus careless stewardship of financial resources.
In addition, that hardheadedness produced conflict in the family business between the two brothers.
Basically, the younger brother was a poor money manager. What’s worse, he didn’t plan on a downturn in business conditions. Thus, he left himself no slack resources.
As a result, we learn that hardheadedness is expensive.
That said, the focus of Proverbs 24.7 isn’t the waste of my material resources. Instead, it’s about how hardheadedness wastes my influence.
In short, the proverb says that the foolishly unteachable have zero influence. Hence, the influence of the foolishly unteachable is nonexistent.
The Place of Influence
In Proverbs 24.7 the place of influence is “the gate.” The gate is where the movers and shakers gather to conduct business and to debate.
In fact, Genesis 19.1 uses the same word to describe Lot’s position of influence where he lived.
Moreover, in Proverbs, wisdom calls out to us from that place of influence, the gate. For examples, see Proverbs 1.21 – a “chief place”, and Proverbs 8.3.
Also, using two other references from Proverbs, the gate is a place for justice, Proverbs 22.22. In addition, it’s the place where the civic leaders sit to conduct business, Proverbs 31.23.
Basically, the city gate is the place where those with influence tend to congregate. Unfortunately, according to Proverbs 24.7, the influence of the foolishly unteachable simply doesn’t exist there.
No Influence
Ok, the foolishly unteachable have no influence. Why? What’s the rationale presented to justify that assertion?
Proverbs 24.7 says wisdom is “too high” or “beyond the reach” or “unattainable” or “inaccessible” depending on the translation you consult.
The Hebrew word for “high” is also used in Proverbs 21.4 to suggest haughtiness or destructive pride. In other words, my disdain for others will show in my facial expressions.
Most basically, the argument is as follows:
An unteachable fool gets that way because he/she doesn’t apply the first principles of wisdom to daily living.
Who’s Unteachable?
The Hebrew word evil is often translated fool and foolish. For example, the unteachable fool hates instruction, Proverbs 1.7 and resists authority, Proverbs 15.5.
Generally, it’s a waste of time trying to teach the unteachable, Proverbs 16.22.
Moreover, regardless of the rationale presented, an unteachable person is argumentative, Proverbs 29.9.
Thus, in plain English, “nobody can’t tell a fool nothing” because they know it all already, Proverbs 12.15!
Influence of the Foolishly Unteachable
The foolishly unteachable don’t realize that wisdom is the source of influence. Likewise, sound decisions are a source of influence.
Similarly, a fool’s disdain for others and for the universal precepts will block them from having any influence whatsoever.
Ultimately, human pride in a leader is addressed by God Himself. For examples, see Psalm 18.27 and Isaiah 10.12.
To repeat, the foolishly unteachable are proud. However, in reality they have nothing to be proud of because the influence of the foolishly unteachable doesn’t exist. Except perhaps, in their own head!
Leadership Insight
So, where does persistence end and hardheadedness begin? I don’t think there’s an easy answer for that one.
Similarly, where does my decisiveness as a leader, and my past record of successes, begin to push over into inflexibility and arrogance? Again, there’s no easy answer.
Rather than speculate on that which is not easily answered, let’s focus on some universal precepts that drive leaders away from hardheadedness.
Some Hardheadedness Reducers
1). Seek out and carefully listen to sound advice from wise counsel. Thus, listen with a desire to understand.
2). Acknowledge that the “way that seems right” to me may, in fact, be destructive because I may be driven by my own pride. Therefore, tolerate differing opinions within the leadership team as you, as a leader, determine a way forward.
3). Guard against cognitive bias. For example, am I assuming bad intention? Or, have I focused on the first thing I heard? Also, am I hearing only that which agrees with my opinions?
4). Am I rushing to a decision for no apparent reason? Have I allowed time to generate a reasonable list of alternatives? Am I giving myself time to think critically and deeply about the issue?
5). As a person of faith, am I carefully seeking divine guidance? Remember, it’s one thing to ask and something very different to wait for an answer to be revealed!
Rest in, and wait patiently for, the Lord. Conversely, don’t be jealously anxious about the success of those you view as dishonest. Psalm 37.7 paraphrase
These suggestions are designed to reduce my level of being foolishly unteachable. As such, they will help me, as a leader, build influence as I make decisions that are in the long-term, best interest of my organization.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com