Pride takes root because someone believes they did it all themselves. As a result, the pride of the foolishly unteachable is revealed in their bragging.
I Did It Myself!
Proverbs 14.3 is a contrast between being foolishly unteachable and being wise.
In this case, what’s apparent to others is how the wise and the proud express themselves.
First, the foolishly unteachable brag about their goal attainment because they’re always saying “I did it myself!”
Second, and in contrast, the wise person isn’t prideful. Instead, the words of the wise enhance their influence and protect their reputation.
Influential Words
The Hebrew word shamar in Proverbs 14.3 that describes the outcome of what the wise say most essentially means to protect or preserve.
Moreover, in Proverbs shamar is associated with:
1). Good judgment and discernment Proverbs 2.8 and Proverbs 2.9
2). Thoughtfulness and experiential insight, Proverbs 2.11
3). Wisdom, Proverbs 4.6
4). Discretion in what I say, Proverbs 14.3, and
5). Wise choices, Proverbs 16.17
That’s quite a list of benefits for a precept-driven life that avoids the pride of the foolishly unteachable!
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.
It’s critical to understand essential meaning but foolish to correct the unteachable. Proverbs 16.22 paraphrase
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!
Why Are You Proud?
The phrase “rod of pride” in Proverbs 14.3 suggests pride that is growing, like a plant, a little at a time. As a result, the growth is not especially noticeable from one day to the next.
The Hebrew word that’s translated pride is also translated excellency. For example, see Psalm 68.34, and Deuteronomy 33.26 and 29. Thus, the word can have a positive meaning.
In fact, the word suggests extreme capability and accomplishment. It follows that I can choose to become prideful in my accomplishments. Hence, the bragging that expresses the pride of the foolishly unteachable.
What’s the cure for pride? You know the answer to this one! It’s plain old humility! For instance, see Proverbs 3.34 and Proverbs 29.23.
Pride brings humbling or I can sow humility and reap influence! Proverbs 29.23 paraphrase
Leadership Insight
A wise leader sees the connection between a precept-driven life and the accomplishments that follow.
Basically, leadership accomplishments are driven by deep thoughtfulness, experiential insights, good judgment, discernment, and wise choices.
Deep Thought + Practical Insight = Discernment for Good Judgment to make Wise Choices! Hence, greater influence!
Remember, the root of this beneficial cycle is the precepts I choose to embed into my life. Conversely, the root isn’t my inherent capability or superior intelligence.
Unfortunately, when I choose pride I enter a destructive cycle that’s evidenced by my constant bragging!
In short, when I realize the impact of a precept-driven life on my ability to produce, I’m not driven by pride. Instead, I’m driven by a quiet and influential confidence. That confidence produces greater accomplishment!
Personal Insight
While completing my Ph.D., I was frequently warned about the pride of authorship. Thus, don’t falsely believe what you have written is the pinacle of all human wisdom!
Instead, have the humility to work together with your co-authors. In addition, respond appropriately to the suggestions of the reviewers who look at your work.
In other words, if you can avoid pride by being teachable you have a much better chance of having a successful career.
After fifteen years of being in academic leadership, I find the principle of humility works equally as well as when I was a junior faculty member.
Wherefore, leaders shouldn’t be foolishly unteachable. Instead, leaders should recognize how humility increases their influence.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com