Proverbs 19.16 says a precept-driven life thinks long-term. It identifies that which is of ultimate value. Conversely, short-term thinking is destructive. Wherefore, think long-term!
A precept-driven life will think long-term about spiritual values, whereas short-term thinking is deadly. Proverbs 19.16 paraphrase
The Sequence
First, my time perspective drives my thinking.
A short-term outlook produces shallow thinking. Conversely, a long-term perspective produces deep thinking.
Second, my thinking drives my decisions.
Thus, poor thinking yields poor decisions. Clear thinking yields wise decisions.
third, my decisions drive my actions.
Poor decisions … well, you get the point!
Think – Decide – Act
If I want to improve my actions I must first start with my character, who I am at my core. I must then consider my time perspective. Those two, in turn, influence my thinking or reasoning.
Therefore, think long-term!
Self-preservation
Keeping the precepts keeps my soul. The Hebrew word for “keep” means to watch over, observe closely, or to protect.
This word keep is used repeatedly for carefully observing the precepts, those fundamental rules for living. For examples, see Proverbs 4.4, 6.22, and 7.2.
A Long-term Perspective
The ultimate in thinking long-term is to adopt an eternal perspective.
Proverbs 19.16 uses “soul” to translate the Hebrew word that means our eternal nature, the essence of our being. It’s first used in scripture in Genesis 2.7: “… the man became a living being” to describe the outcome of God’s creative act.
Proverbs 19.16 says a person with an interest in spiritual things will value the precepts. In contrast, a temporal nature shows out in contempt for his/her own life.
Short-sighted thinking doesn’t produce a sustainable lifestyle.
Therefore, my point of view about the precepts, the basic rules of life, has significant consequences.
In terms of the Risk-Reward Mental Model, a precept-driven life is a low-risk, high reward investment.
It’s hard to get a more long-term ROI than eternal!
Wherefore, think long-term!
A Short-term Perspective
The second half of the instruction in Proverbs 19.16 uses a Hebrew word that’s translated by “despise” or “careless.” It’s also translated “contemptible” indicating a basic perverseness of character.
In Genesis 25.34 Esau despised his inheritance because he wanted a bowl of soup – right then! Esau lived for the immediate. Unfortunately, the price he paid was high.
A perverse person lacks reverence, according to Proverbs 14.2. That same verse says reverence is a sign of integrity.
A careless disregard for myself and for others gives evidence of short-term thinking. I live only for the immediate.
Living only for the immediate is destructive.
The immediate may be fun but it doesn’t last. For example, the freshman who goes off to college and parties for the entire first semester! His or her grades at the end of the term tell the story!
Personal Insight
Self care, or sharpening the saw, is an important aspect of thinking long-term. Personally, my time for growth must come early in the day or it doesn’t come at all!
I’ve learned that reading is good. However, asking myself how what I just read applies to me personally or to something else I read earlier, is much better. That’s one way I form useful insights.
For example, when reading these verses in Proverbs I tend to ask a series of questions, as follows.
First, what does this precept mean? Am I interpreting the precept accurately? Do I really understand the words as they are being used in context? How is that same Hebrew word used elsewhere?
Second, what does this precept mean to me personally? How can I apply this precept, today, into my personal and professional life? Remember, knowing and doing are two very different things! Doing is where I begin to add value.
Third, by writing these posts, I ask – what have I learned that I can share with others? Fact is, I don’t really have anything of value to give away simply by reading and observing. I must have personal experiences, which have produced practical and experiential insights, before I can share with others.
“Renewal is the principle—and the process—that empowers us to move on an upward spiral of growth and change, of continuous improvement.” Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Leadership Insight
How often have you heard the complaint that quarterly earnings reports drive leaders toward short-term thinking and actions?
How frequently have you witnessed the negative outcomes of a leader making a quick fix that is taken just to move forward? All under the guise of decisiveness!
This duct-tape mentality of a temporary fix doesn’t addresses root cause.
What’s the way out? In the book Touch Points leaders are encouraged to stop and carefully listen to those around them. Leaders are asked to listen, then frame the issues, and finally to act.
Listen – frame – act is simply another version of this ancient precept in Proverbs 19.16 of thinking long-term in order to avoid the tyranny of the immediate.
Apply This Today!
I position myself for long-term thinking by giving myself time to think! Leaders must force time into their weekly schedule for environmental scanning and strategic contemplation.
A recurring problem is a signal to me that I have not truly addressed the root cause of that problem. Identifying root cause requires pointed questioning and deep listening.
As a leader, I must deliberately choose that which is most critical. I focus on that which I must and I can most influence.
A leader frees-up time for the critical few by delegating to others the things those individuals are better equipped to deal with. The result is that the leader has time to focus on his or her highest point of contribution.
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