"Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it."
Wisdom is a vital trait for life and something that we should want to grow in. We benefit greatly from it when managing finances, relationships, conflict and when making decisions. Your business will always benefit from wisdom. The great news is that God wants to help:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Proverbs tells us wisdom calls out but that not everyone will listen:
Proverbs 1:20 Expanded Bible
The term used for wisdom in the Bible is used over 140 times. The book of Proverbs has over 40 of those mentions. It is a great resource for wisdom.
What is Wisdom?
There are many ways to describe wisdom, here are some various definitions that point us in the right direction:
- Wisdom is a quality that develops over time through life experiences, self-reflection, and personal growth. It is highly valued in many cultures and is often seen as a desirable trait that contributes to individual well-being, positive relationships, effective decision-making and emotional and ethical regulation.
- The ability to discern inner qualities and relationships
- Good sense; judgement
- The ability to do ‘the right things the right way’
- Moral skill that produces something of value
Consequences
It is in the best interest of business, and society as a whole, to actively cultivate wisdom in the workplace as the consequences of business void of wisdom can result in serious troubles.
The financial crash of 2008 while it’s causes are multi-dimensional could have been avoided if wisdom had prevailed. An industry that lost its capacity for wisdom in decision making and personal ethics caused a major recession resulting lost jobs, homes and more.
This is a big example that had significant consequences, but the need for wisdom in the day to day of life is what preserves us and sets us on a course for growth, increase and success in a healthy and sustainable way.
Growing in wisdom is one of the best things you can do for your business.
Application: Wisdom Challenge
Set a personal and organizational goal to recognize the significance of wisdom in the workplace and actively incorporate it into your daily professional life. In a world characterized by ambiguous situations and ethical complexities, wisdom becomes a fresh and valuable competitive edge.
Proverbs has 31 chapters and fits nicely into a month. Trying reading one chapter every day of the month and start growing in wisdom.
