I really enjoy my life when I’m guided by the universal precepts. Thus, I should obey the basics and live. Therefore, choose life!
I learned from my father the importance of living according to the precepts. Proverbs 4.4 paraphrase
Parent to Child
The opening verses of Proverbs Chapter 4 are a conversation between a father – Solomon, and several of his children.
Thus, “Listen children to your father” Proverbs 4.1.
As such, Solomon is sharing what he had heard previously from his father, David: “…my father taught me…” Proverbs 4.4.
Now, what they shared involved correction, doctrine, the law (torah), and the precepts (mitsvah).
What’s being passed down from one generation to the next are the basics – the first principles – for sound behavior and thus a good life.
Gaining Experience
In Proverbs 4.3 Solomon says he was “tender.” It suggests someone who is young and inexperienced, although not necessarily a child.
In 1 Chronicles 22.5-10 David described Solomon as “young and inexperienced”. However, at the time, Solomon was an adult who was very close to becoming king (see 1 Chronicles 23.1).
The instruction in Proverbs 4.4 is for big kids! Proverbs 4.4 tells me to recognize my lack of experience. Thus, be a learner. I’m encouraged to enjoy a life that’s directed by the universal precepts. But first, I must learn!
Obey the Basics
The phrase “keep the precepts” appears here in Proverbs 4.4. It’s also used in Proverbs 7.2 (more parent-child coaching) and Proverbs 19.16.
The universal precepts of wisdom are to be the focus of my attention (7.2) and are a way to avoid a destructive lifestyle (Proverbs 19.16; see also 15.21).
A precept-driven life is the ultimate in sustainability!
The Hebrew word for “keep” means to observe; it’s also translated “take heed.” It suggests obedience. For example, see Genesis 26.5 where keep and obey are used interchangeably in regard to obeying the precepts.
What’s In It For Me?
Proverbs 4.4 and 7.2 both say that a precept-driven life is the way to live. Proverbs 9.6 says we live by forsaking foolishness. By the way, the speaker in Proverbs 9.6 is wisdom, portrayed as a female! (OK, I get it!).
This Hebrew word for live (chayah) indicates how long we live, thus a long life. It also contrasts life and death.
The Hebrew chayah also means the depth or quality of the life we live. For an example, see Deuteronomy 8.3: “man doesn’t live by bread alone…” as quoted by Christ in Matthew 4.4. There’s more to life than the material.
A life of purpose is a purposeful choice I make!
My ability to obey the basics determines the quality of my life! In fact, the extent to which I prepare the soil of my life for absorbing the precepts will determine the extent of the life abundance that I enjoy!
I’ve set before you life and death – choose life so you can live! Deuteronomy 30.19 paraphrase
Leadership Insight
In one sense, becoming precept driven by obeying the basics is the ultimate in soft skills for a leader.
If I get these basics right in my life other critical aspects of my leadership and managerial roles can follow. Conversely, if I don’t execute on the basics, the value of my technical skills and industry-specific knowledge is greatly reduced.
In any organization, sponsors and mentors should be identifying and preparing the next generation of leadership as a regular part of executive succession planning.
As they move through the ranks, leaders raise their experience level by taking on new assignments that move them out of their comfort zone. Unfortunately, leaders quickly become stagnant and of less value to their organization when they cease to be learners.
Personal Insight
Several years ago I was passed over for a promotion that I was convinced I was ready for. I had served in the position on an interim basis previously.
Others above me in the organization thought differently about my level of preparation!
After being turned down, I chose to continue my professional development using a variety of outlets.
Part of my professional growth came through the guidance of an executive coach. What I heard wasn’t always pleasant but it was thought provoking.
I participated in a year-long professional development fellowship. Also, I accepted a short-term, organization-wide assignment that was outside my primary role and outside my comfort zone.
To build interpersonal communication skills and gain perspectives different from my current organization, I served on the board of the local chamber of commerce.
Additionally, I actively sought out professional development tools from well-regarded instructors that are available on the Internet.
Of greatest value, I believe, was finding a way to combine my professional growth with my personal, spiritual development. I began spending five to seven hours a week, on average, in the Book of Proverbs. I began converting those universal precepts – the basics – into practices I could carry back into the office.
Consequently, several years and another interim assignment later, I was ready to accept that promotion. Well…I’m a slow learner but at least I’m learning! Seriously, to hear an insightful conversation on late bloomers, listen to Mark Crowley’s interview with Rich Karlgaard.
Apply This Today!
I will not seek out and then follow the fundamental precepts if I am a know-it-all who is unteachable. However, listening to trusted mentors – the “multitude of counselors” – builds my base of knowledge.
Intentionally building experiential insights into my professional skill set, through reflection, is one way to move from being inexperienced to experienced.
When I deliberately choose to obey the basics I will live a life marked by personal and professional growth.
Professional growth is a purposeful choice I make. According to Deuteronomy 30.19 (paraphrased above) I can choose either life or death, blessing or cursing. I find it peculiar that God has to give me the right answer for the choice He offers – “therefore choose life”!
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