The Proverbs of Solomon.
Solomon uses Chapter 11 as a continuation of Chapter 10. Those who are Wise and Listen to the word of God will receive blessings, those who are foolish or lazy are consumed and destroyed by their own iniquity. As Solomon continues to articulate the contrast in the behavior and character of those who are Wise and those who are Foolish, I become concerned with confirmation bias. The Un-wise will continually look for justification of their Foolish actions and decisions. Those searching a text for rationalization or justification use a myopic lens to find evidence of confirmation. Confirmation Bias leads the Unwise to search this (and other) text not to extract meaning, rather to select excerpts to substantiate their faulty understanding. Yesterday, we discussed the yammering monkeys and the chattering fools. These individuals are too preoccupied with "self" to learn from others. Their own understanding and growth is limited by pre-conceived and faulty notions. This is also true for someone who is only looking for reassurance in poor logic and decisions. Mark Twain best sums up the dangers of confirmation bias: "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so" As we study the text with an open heart and an open mind we welcome Wisdom into our lives. When we limit our understanding and put barriers on our learning, we are doomed to failure and ruin. Chapter 12 Tomorrow.
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The Proverbs of Solomon:
Solomon uses chapter 10 as the opportunity to list virtues vs. iniquities in an effort to address the benefits of wisdom vs. the perils of the un-wise. In short: Good things come to the Wise. Bad things come to the Un-Wise. Although most of these verses can be discussed individually, I would like to take a few minutes to focus on Verse 8. "The Wise in heart accepts commands. But a Chattering Fool comes to ruin." The Wise in heart accepts commands. A person with a Wise Heart is a humble person. An individual of if full of humility, someone who is easy to teach and ready to learn. Those Wise in Heart are not arrogant or hubristic, rather someone who is approachable and willing to help others. Those Wise in Heart are quick to listen to and learn from others. The Wise Heart also has the ability to recognize the Wisdom in others and Positional Influence where wisdom may falter. Those Wise in Heart have the ability to follow and identify with the vision of an organization. A Chattering Fool....Oooohhhh, the Chattering Fool. We all know these people, these people who are incessant in their right to amble aimlessly without intelligent or articulate thoughts. These individuals believe it is their right to provide "value added" comments, criticisms, and opinions to all conversations or scenarios. In several previous chapter reflections we have referred to the Braying Donkey. We, as Tigers should NEVER argue with a Chattering Fool... The Chattering Fool values their own opinions and gossip above true Wisdom. Unfortunately, this foolishness will not only lead to the demise of the donkey...but this Fool will lead those who listen to Ruin as well. Stephen Coven tells us "Seek first to understand." The Wise man will listen and learn. The Foolish man will pollute the environment with foolishness and drivel. The Wise listen, and learn and are, in turn, lifted up by the Lord's Blessings. The incessantly yammering Fool is too focused on their own nonsense to hear or follow God's commands. Chapter 11 Tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges us to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 9.
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom and a Warning against Folly. Wisdom is a woman. Ruin is an adulterous or wicked woman. Folly is a simple woman. The Simple Woman is of kind heart yet erroneous judgement. She calls out to those who are Un-Wise with her simple and misguided pleasures. She will lead all those who follow towards laggardness. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom are alluded to, but not identified. I take the ambiguity as a challenge to extract these pillars from the whole of Solomon's text and revisit this passage at the end of the Proverbs Project. We ignore the Fools and embrace the Wise: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults. Whoever rebukes the wicked incurs Abuse." RATHER "Instruct the Wise and they will become Wiser, Teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." First, We defend the good and unequivocally stand up the right. Second, Jim Collins tell us to get the right people in the right seats on the bus. When we identify mockery or wickedness we coach, we correct, then we move on. The Donkeys are remanded to the pasture. We don't give up on people. We do, however, put the needs of the organization and the needs of our own growth at the forefront. We train those who show Wisdom and Promise. We teach those who exhibit Goodness and Right. We empower those aligned with the the Vision. And, we promote Wisdom and Humility in the system. When we acknowledge or even embrace the Bray of the Fool we are not exhibiting Wisdom. The Wise will not Wrestle with Pigs. The Wise will not Argue with Donkeys. The focus of the Wise must remain on those following the "right" path. Chapter 10 on Monday. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges us to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 8.
A Call to Wisdom. Wisdom is for everyone, it is available to all. We simply need to heed the call. The simple, the dullard, the insightful and the powerful are all called towards Wisdom. The resources are available and the opportunity for growth is omnipotent. We simply need to listen...The lessons are everywhere, always available. The Onus of Wisdom lies with us. We have a choice everyday to strive towards Wisdom or exist in our status quo. Wisdom is Wealth...Pursuing Wisdom rather than material Wealth will eventually lead to an influx of Both. the Investment into a treasure of wisdom will provide infinite return on investment. With Wisdom comes knowledge, discretion, power, judgement, governance, riches, generosity, prosperity, and kindness. Wisdom (and subsequent treasures) increase through compounding. Albert Einstein is purported to say, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it: he who doesn't pay it." Compound interest applied to the treasure of Wisdom as well. He who doesn't understand the compounding nature of Wisdom is left at prey to temptations of the Wicked. Our Wisdom must "keep pace" with the ever intensifying and every present iniquity in our environment. Luck will not provide for us the Wisdom that is necessary...we must be intentional in our pursuit. Those who fail to find Wisdom, or those who outright refuse Wisdom harm themselves and their families. To reuse a term from my coaching days...Gentlemen, we need to move with urgency. Chapter 9 Tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges us to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 7.
Warning Against an Adulterous Woman. The Wise man will treasure and value the teachings of the Lord. The Wealth of the word of God is immeasurable and must be revered. Wisdom can also be found in elders and friends, mentors and peers. We do not always need to make the "mistakes from which we learn" on our own, often, we can learn from the history provided for us through the mistakes and mis-steps of others. Wisdom provides strength and stability, vision and action, and the ability to resist temptation and complacency. Again, this text personifies Wisdom as a woman. Today, we see the first reference that Insight is a relative. Not a smelly and base relative, rather a relative whom we respect and admire. As we let Wisdom and Insight enter our homes and our minds, the pathway of the righteous becomes less blurred. An Adulterous woman is the antithesis of Wisdom. Worse, when we allow an adulterous woman to enter our homes and minds, she will devour and destroy the Wisdom already in residence. Acquiescence to an adulterous woman is Un-Wise and her seductive ways will lead men to Ruin. Embracing the Virtuous Woman of Wisdom and inviting the Relation of Insight will help preserve the wisdom of man and protect the sanctity of the home. Resisting the temptation is an exercise in Virtue. The muscles of Virtue and Wisdom are strengthened with exercise and grow with employment. As men grow in Wisdom, their capacity for Righteousness increases proportionally. Ultimately, as Wisdom grows, the Seduction of the Dark Side becomes less appealing, leaving men to crave Insight, Growth, Humility, Wisdom, Goodness, and Generosity more than they crave other Base Pursuits. Chapter 4 tells us: "Listen, my Sons, to a Father's Instruction." We discussed the importance of children learning from the examples of the parents. The Onus of the example lies solely and wholly with the adults. Chapter 8 tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges readers to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 6.
Warnings against Wasting Time: "You may delay - But time will not" - Benjamin Franklin As I read and grow, as I study, as I become more Wise, I realize that most of the brilliant thinkers all have some manner of warning regarding the finite nature of Time. Solomon warns us to make hay while the sun shines, to make the most of every day and every minute available to us. The Wise are thankful for every second we are given. We realize that tomorrow is never guaranteed so we must do what we can today to do what we can with the gifts we have been given. We need to eliminate sloth and lethargy, we need to remain vigilant with our progress and growth, as we become Wise, time becomes more and more treasured. The Wise will continually, reflect: “Is what I’m doing right now worth my time?” The commodity of time can be spent in many, many ways. The Wise understand it's worth and allocate the expenditure to the actions and activities most aligned with the core values of the individual. Some spend time in service of others, some spend time holding a loved one's hand, watching a sunset, or eating a meal together. Some read, some work on projects, or build an empire. Regardless of the pursuit, time well spent is one of the most precious investments the Wise can make. Chapter Six addresses seven things the Lord finds as an abomination. We could likely spend a day unpacking each of these seven Items. For the sake of brevity, we will simply run through the list here. Perhaps, this is why it is recommended to read and re-read the book of Proverbs. The reader will derive additional meaning from the text with each time through Solomon's text. Haughty Eyes - To have haughty eyes is to have an arrogant heart. To "look down" on others and to have little concern for the needs or perceptions of others. Lying Tongue - This is quite simple. Speak the truth in all things. In almost every occasion, lies are used for personal gain or glory. When we impugn others or when we deceive we are knowingly and willingly making the Un-Wise choice of aligning ourselves to a nefarious path. Hands that Shed Innocent Blood. - The means murder...Don't do that. A heart that Devises Wicked Schemes. - The heart of an unwise contrives schemes to bring others to ruin. These schemes are designed for the gain of selves or the exploitation of others. Feet that are quick to rush into evil. - The Un-Wise rush into evil without thought or consideration of consequences. The Wise man is EXPECTED to resist the temptation of evil. False Witness who Pours out Lies. - False witness is similar to a lying tongue with the exception that bearing false witness, regardless of motive, is directly and immediately intended to bring down another. The Wise man speaks truth in all things, taking special precautions against destroying the reputation or livelihood of another. A Person who Stirs up Conflict in the Community. - Humans were intended by God to live in Unity with one another. Unity does not mean agreement, simply harmony. Wise individuals can entertain divergent ideas and philosophies of others without sustaining (or inflicting) personal harm. The Un-Wise create mal-content and discord in the community causing undue temptation for the Wise. Tigers should Never argue with Donkeys. Chapter 7 tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges readers to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 5.
A Warning Against Adultery. The Wise man will avoid the wiles of the temptress. There is a lot to unpack in this short sentence. In Chapter 4 we determined that our children are watching and they will learn from all we say and do. This simple stipulation asserts the perilous consequences of running astray of this warning. In earlier chapters, Solomon tells us that Wisdom equates to Wealth and Treasure. Thus. As our Wisdom increases, as wealth increase, the power of temptation increases proportionally. As we grow in Wisdom, our ability to fight temptation increases in to match the "strength of the Dark Side." Again, as Wisdom increases, the consequences of running our path afoul intensifies pro-rata. The Wise man will value and pursue the personal growth and strength found in a righteous home. Wisdom is personified as "She." Temptation is personified as "She." Ole' King Solomon's analogy of the feminine is a double sided coin. On one side we find goodness, Wisdom, and the Light. On the other side, we find Temptation and Darkness. With Wisdom comes the ability to discern betwixt the two. There is a choice to move towards a virtuous, righteous and loving spouse. These men will be drawn towards growth and Wisdom. The goodness of "She" will support, and build, and nurture the Wise. The converse is true as well. The ruses and wiles of a temptress can degrade and erode the Wisdom, spirit, and goodness of a man. The consequence is dire. More importantly, however; Our children are watching and they will learn from all we say and do. Chapter 6 tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges readers to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 4.
Wisdom at any Cost. "Listen my sons, to a father's instructions." Before androcentric thoughts infiltrate your mind, please remember we have spent the past three days establishing that Wisdom is Effeminate. "Listen my sons, to a father's instructions." Sons are to follow the lead of their fathers to gain wisdom, longevity, peace, understanding, goodness, humility, strength, and safety. On Sons to Fathers. This is pretty straight forward. Sons need to follow the lead of their father. On Fathers and Sons (and daughters)... This is infinitely more complicated: Clearly, The father and son metaphor is strong throughout scripture. Solomon is telling us that as sons we are to seek Wisdom in and through our heavenly Father. Absolutely. The onus of this relationship lies solely with the son. There is no imperfect leadership through our heavenly Father. Wisdom is always available through the Lord. ..heck, he left us a book. To interpret the text more literally we refer to the familial father of sons, the patriarch, real men of flesh and blood, imperfect men. Fathers are corruptible, fathers struggle, fathers make mistakes, are wrong, and we do things we regret. Fathers struggle with Wisdom they are ordained with original sin and faced with daily temptation. God took this particular yoke of responsibility and flopped it square upon the shoulders of fathers. There is no escape from this yoke, this responsibility cannot be shirked. Our Children see everything, they learn from everything we do. The responsibility of the father is to cultivate intentional lessons and demonstrate adherence to the path of the righteous. Joshua 24:15 "As for Me and My House, We will serve the Lord." The responsibility is great. We have learned from our fathers and forefathers, we have been guided along the path to Wisdom. Wisdom is a legacy. Fathers are charged with preserving this legacy. Fortunately, we don't have to do it alone. If we are Wise, we will leverage our friends, we will cultivate mentorships, we will study, we will learn, and we will grow in Wisdom for the betterment of our children. Fortunately, he left us a book. Chapter 5 Tomorrow. The Proverbs Project came to mind after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges readers to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month. I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 3.
With Wisdom comes well being: The Wise frequently and repeatedly reflect on the teachings of the Lord. With habit of reflection the Wise and the Faithful find peace and prosperity. Wisdom and Faith are intertwined here... The Wise understand and can recognize the deficiencies of their understanding and rely on Faith as a bridge to fill the gaps and maintain solidarity with the straight path. The peace inherent in this understanding analogous to a fulfillment of understanding when Knowledge of the known is paired with Faith in the unknown. The Wise present to the Lord the first fruits of labor. As our generosity increases the Return on Investment is compounded. Again, we are equating Wisdom to Wealth. As we grown in Wisdom and recognize the importance of helping others, our returns intensify. Once again: Wisdom is referred to in the feminine. "She" (Wisdom) is far more valuable than tangible riches...however, the amount of reflection, introspection and growth are directly proportional to Peace, Wealth, and Prosperity. This Chapter adds another component to Wisdom: Kindness, Generosity, Contentment, and Humility are all additional qualities of the Wise. Chapter 4 Tomorrow. The Proverbs project came to my consciousness after I read the book The Richest Man Who Every Lived by Steven K. Scott. This book challenges readers to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day for a month. Readers then perseverate and reflect on the chapter. This process is meant to become habit and repeated month after month.
I acknowledge a personal and perpetual need for wisdom in my life. The challenge spoke to me. I have been reading a good deal this year, and it is certainly time for me to undertake another writing project. - Chapter 2. The Lord gives Wisdom. But. We still need to search for it. We need to light out after wisdom with a torch (my thanks to Jack London) and the fervor of those searching for treasure. I assume this is not the last reference to Wisdom as Treasure... This allusion creates a mindset in the value of wisdom. God told Solomon to ask for anything he desired. Solomon did not ask for riches, or, resources, or military might...he asked for wisdom. Through Wisdom Solomon was able to easily and readily attain the other attributes associated with a powerful state and ruler. Again, we are told that Wisdom will save us from the ways of wicked men. With Wisdom we are able to maintain a straight and upright path through life rebuking and refusing those who have left the Straight Path to walk in dark ways and would encourage those without Wisdom to join them. The Wise will walk in the way of the good and keep to the Path of the Righteous. With Wisdom comes the responsibility of leading others. With Wisdom, we can maintain the path of the Righteous upon which others may travel. We can maintain the thoroughfare to the light. With Wisdom we can encourage others to live upright and steadfast in truth and understanding. Wisdom is truly one of the indispensable qualities of a leader of men. Chapter 3 Tomorrow. |
The Proverbs ProjectFor the next 30 days, I intend to read and reflect on one chapter in the book of Proverbs. |