This lesson discusses life outcomes that result from being precept-driven. Hence, Lesson 2, Part 2: Absorbing the Precepts.
Introduction
In Lesson 2 we defined wisdom, from Proverbs 2.6.
Wisdom is the ability to balance knowing and doing. Most importantly, the Know-Do balance point is our Being.
As such, being is having a personal relationship with the Lord Himself.
Additionally, Solomon presents wisdom as a female. She invites us to a life of personal transformation. Remember, our goal is a transformed heart, not a smarter head!
Lesson 2, Part 2: Absorbing the Precepts, is drawn from Proverbs Chapter 2. Here, we discuss what that personal transformation looks like. And, we answer the question: “What are the life outcomes that come from being precept-driven?”
Some Prerequisites
The prerequisites to our personal transformation are as follows:
1). Be Teachable: That is, be humble enough that you’re willing to accept correction.
2). Be Intentional: Thus, be deliberate about your own personal growth.
3). Act with Integrity: A just character, based on reverence, is essential if I am to behave wisely.
Three Focus Areas
Absorbing the precepts involves three areas of focus. Taken together, these three traits enable us to understand and respond appropriate to life events. Here are those three, from Proverbs 2.2-4.
First is insight building, Proverbs 2.2, 2.3, and 2.11. Actually, those experiential insights are lessons learned as we reflect on what has happened in life.
Second is sense making, Proverbs 2.3 (see also Proverbs 3.5). Interestingly, the Hebrew word binah is translated by several different English words. But, it is associated with finding meaning by putting things into a logical sequence of events.
Third is clarification of our values, Proverbs 2.4 (see also Matthew 13.44). Truly, transformation is grounded deeply in who I am and what I believe.
Wisdom that’s grounded in a just character produces good judgment. Proverbs 8.20 paraphrase. proverbsforprofessionals.net
5 Outcomes of Knowing Wisdom
When I become wise hearted, thus precept-driven, I exhibit several distinct characteristics. Let’s look at those outcomes of knowing wisdom.
Lordship: Proverbs 2.5. This is a deep, personal relationship with the only, true God.
Discernment: Proverbs 2.5 (see also 1 Kings 3.9). Most simply, this is moral reasoning. Thus, the ability to know right from wrong.
Good Judgment: Proverbs 2.8-9. I make wise choices that are bounded by justice, doing right, and mercy, which is behaving fairly toward others.
Discretion: Proverbs 2.10-11. My behavior changes because I approach life with deep thoughtfulness. As a result, Proverbs 2.12-19, I am able to deal effectively with common life challenges.
Life Purpose: Proverbs 2.20-22. Here, I discover and pursue my WHY (see also Proverbs 11.5). I live a purposeful life that’s grounded in God’s will for me.
Proverbs 11.5 connects our being right with God (“righteousness”) and knowing our God-given life purpose (“the perfect”) with receiving direction in life (“direct his way”). proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
Knowing wisdom is primarily a matter of heart transformation.
Absorbing the precepts is deeply spiritual.
Being wise-hearted is heavily weighted toward insight building.
A precept-driven life is very purposeful because I know my WHY.
Therefore, live with purpose, on purpose!
