The search for wisdom
If you are not wise, then by default, you are foolish.
By Fred Koury
October 2006
The Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament speaks mainly on two topics.
The first is wisdom. It teaches the importance of wisdom and how to use it. It also describes the benefits of wisdom when making decisions and tells us that we should cherish it. In addition, by using wisdom, we are less likely to make critical mistakes.
The second topic is foolishness, which is what happens when wisdom is not considered. We have all made poor decisions and good decisions, but at the time we make them, we don’t always realize we are making poor decisions.
The obvious course to avoiding poor decisions is twofold.
First, be knowledgeable. The more you know about something, the better your chances of making a good decision. The second part is applying the knowledge. For example, many of us know what foods we should eat to stay healthy and have a well-balanced life, but we don’t do it. That’s foolish behavior.
We know the consequences, yet we do it anyway. We think that we will be the ones who get away with it, the ones who won’t develop health problems.
So to truly be a wise leader, you have to understand your problem, then act on it.
To understand a problem better, you have to look at all sides of it by seeking the counsel of those with different perspectives. Everyone sees things in different ways, and someone else may give you an insight you hadn’t considered that saves you from making a poor decision.
Once you are armed with knowledge, act on it accordingly. Every decision can have a cascade effect. A good decision can lead to a whole host of good results, while a decision that is poorly thought out can be disastrous.
People make foolish decisions when they become arrogant and think they have had so much success that they cannot possibly fail now. The wise leader always considers failure as a possible outcome.
Seeking the advice of others and truly listening to what they are telling you will give you the knowledge you need to make good decisions, and possibly, the warning you need to avoid poor ones. But it’s what you do with that knowledge that really matters and that will ultimately determine whether you are wise or foolish.
