Wisdom Calls. Do I Listen?
The universal precepts of wisdom aren’t hidden or secretive. Instead, they’re widely available, thus free for the taking. Hence: Wisdom calls. Do I listen?
The Value of Listening
Listening is an essential skill. What’s more, we can?develop our listening skills ?in order to be more effective in our relationships.
Actually,?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 The Book of Proverbs, asks us to listen.
But, listen to whom?
What Wisdom Says
In?Proverbs 8.1-4 ?the speaker is?the universal precepts of wisdom . Moreover, she’s accompanied by?experiential insight .
Don't miss the obvious! Note that wisdom is pictured as a female.
Why? Because I must listen with both my heart and my head!
What a powerful 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. Instead, the issue is the listening!
The reality is that wisdom calls. Do I listen?
Unfortunately, the simple-minded miss warning signs. As a result, they don’t connect their poor choices with life outcomes. See?Proverbs 22.3 ?to learn how critical thinking can overcome this type of mindlessness. proverbsforprofessionals.net
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Three "Will I" Questions
1). Will I 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.
2). Will I change?
When I'm unable or unwilling to change, at some point I lose my ability to have an influence on those around me.
3). Will I grow?
Will I release who I am – the behaviors and beliefs that are hindering me? Growth demands that I set aside a fixed mindset and take a different perspective.
If my answers to these three questions is a resounding “Yes!” then my influence on others will be significant.
Wisdom calls. Do I listen?
Apply This Today!
We must combine factual knowledge with life insights developed through various experiences.?In short, what can we do with what we know?
There’s no reason to listen if I know it all already.?However, it’s equally dangerous to listen to bad advice.
Remember: "Perception is Reality." So, choose your perception wisely!
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A leadership version of this article is on my blog, available here .
Leadership Development Consultant ??l Keynote Speaker ?? l Gallup Certified StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths) Executive Coach l The Kelly of Coffee ?? With Kelly l Culture & Engagement l Maxwell Leadership Faculty
1 年Happy Fathers Day to you Dale Young ??
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1 年It’s a simple mindset shift that we have to do in order to grab the wisdom right in front of us. Much like things we can’t find in the refrigerator because it was hidden behind the milk, wisdom is hard to find because it’s hidden behind the ego, Dale. ??
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1 年For me, I have to be willing to receive the advice, which means either I’m asking for it directly, or it’s being offered to me with genuine compassion and nonjudgment. Nothing stops me from listening faster than advice that starts with, “You know what you need?” and then leads into a diatribe of unsolicited advice.
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1 年Hearing to doing. Ohhh that ‘doing’ can be the challenge Dale Young! We all need that push within and sometimes it requires others to push us. It sure feels great when that ‘doing’ accomplished great stuff!
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1 年We somewhat don't take it too seriously when wisdom is free. Some would only take it when they have to pay a tidy sum. When we can be still and discerning we are at our best to learn. Keep inspiring Dale Young