The universal precepts of wisdom aren’t hidden or secretive. Instead, they’re widely open and free for the taking. Hence the question, wisdom calls but do I listen?
The Precept Explained:
Wisdom and experiential insight cry out publicly to anyone who will listen. Proverbs 8.1-4 paraphrase
The Precept Applied:
Listening is an essential skill for a leader. What’s more, we can develop our listening skills because we want to be more effective leaders.
In fact, active listening – giving full and complete attention, is an important component of being a good listener.
Thus, it should be no surprise that the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, asks us to listen.
But, listen to whom?
A Listening Example from Proverbs
In Proverbs 8.1-4 the speaker is the universal precepts of wisdom. Actually, she’s accompanied by experiential insight.
It’s no surprise that this same, public call from wisdom is repeated in Proverbs 1.20-21.
As it turns out, in both cases wisdom is pictured as a female, because I must listen with my heart and not my head.
What a great combination! If I’m going to listen to someone or some thing, why not universal wisdom plus the insights gained from life experiences?
Therefore, the issue here isn’t the calling, because wisdom actively calls to me. Unfortunately, the issue is the listening!
The reality is that wisdom calls, but do I listen?
Wisdom Calls
What are some of these precepts? What are these universal laws that are so obvious?
Well, how about sow-reap? Or, circle of competence? Or, reasoning from first principles? One more, discernment keeps me from making really bad interpersonal choices.
So, there’s four examples.
Basically, sow-reap means that I expect to see a return in my life or my business from where I invest.
Similarly, I expand my circle of competence by seeking wise counsel.
That said, why ignore a precept like sow-reap? Well, the arrogant convince themselves that the rules don’t apply to them.
Conversely, the simple-minded miss obvious warning signs. Thus, they don’t connect sowing and reaping. See Proverbs 22.3 to learn how critical thinking can overcome this type of mindlessness.
Do I Listen?
The public call from wisdom and insight carries with it several assumptions.
First, am I willing to listen to reason? Here, what-always-worked-before becomes deadly when I combine arrogance with rapidly-changing external conditions. Similarly, being unteachable is equally dangerous.
Second, am I willing to change? When a leader is unable or unwilling to change, at some point they lose their ability to have an influence on those they are supposed to lead.
Third, am I willing to grow? Will I release who I am – the behaviors and beliefs that are hindering me and my organization? Growth demands that I adopt a growth mindset and a different perspective.
If my answers to these questions is a resounding “No!” then my leadership influence will be small. Additionally, my opportunities for added responsibilities will be limited.
Wisdom calls but do I listen?
Leadership Insights
Proverbs 1.7
All leaders are good listeners, right?
If they weren’t good listeners they would never have been promoted to a position of leadership, right?
Well, unfortunately, the answer to both questions is “No” in more than a few cases.
Actually, being headstrong, and a high producer, or other attributes associated with rapid career growth, doesn’t always include interpersonal skills.
Thus, leaders can sometimes move up without being good listeners. However, as they move up the consequences for being a poor listener become progressively more serious.
The cure?
As I progress in my career I should build knowledge of the industry. Moreover, I must develop experiential insights so I best apply that knowledge.
Finally, in tandem with wisdom and insight, I must build soft skills such as listening so I become more discerning.
Plug This In Today!
The precepts, such as sow-reap, are basic and universal. Thus, a leader should get the basics. Most specifically, what do you know?
Additionally, leaders must combine their knowledge of the basics with the insights they develop through various experiences. Thus, what can you do with what you know?
There’s no reason to listen if I know it all already. However, it’s equally dangerous to listen to bad advice.
Wisdom calls but do I listen?
The Source of This Precept
Proverbs 8.1-4
8.1-4 Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding make her voice heard? At the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads, she takes her stand. Beside the gates leading into the city, at the main entrance, she cries out: “People, I call out to you; my cry is to the children of Adam. Christian Standard Bible
8.1-4 Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries out: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. New American Standard Bible
8.1-4 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. King James Version
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