Posts tagged Anxiety
Proverbs 12 – Speaking Truth Is Freedom
Dec 9th
Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
but a good word cheers it up.
~Proverbs 12:25 (NRSV).
The giving and taking of advice, honest speech, diligence, and blessings for truth and curses for falsehood all come together under the banner of learning for living integrity and freedom in Proverbs 12. It can be hard to find themes out of such an apparent disparate mix of proverbs, but these groupings are visible:
On Taking and Giving Advice
Those on the search for wisdom in life and the right way will listen to advice (verse 15). They don’t mind learning the hard way which is sometimes humiliating for they see that learning is a second chance at success (verse 1). Unlike the wicked, the righteous are just in giving the appropriate advice (verse 5). Their thoughts can be trusted for they know they’re bound by an unsaid code of responsible care.
How are we supposed to learn how to really live life without taking good advice? Likewise, when we are finally in a position to give advice it’s a weighty responsibility that we don’t take flippantly. Who really wants to lead people astray?
Honesty in Speech
Verses 6 and 13 tell us that the words of the wicked will ambush them, but the words of those trying to live uprightly will actually deliver them from trouble. Their honesty will save them, for we’re never condemned for being straight about things.
When people are asked from authority figures what they know about events of interest, we can quickly tell those who are going the right way. Verse 17 states it in very obvious fashion. It doesn’t pay to lie in court or in any sort of legal dispute or any time that the truth is being relied upon punitively for that matter. Truthful lips won’t be betrayed like lying lips (verse 19). God hates the latter but delights in the former (verse 22).
We all know, of course, when we have lied, that even our consciences condemn us, and if they don’t it won’t be long before we really will be found out!
Diligence Pays in Big Ways
There are at least three proverbs in this set that speak to one of the great refrains of Proverbs: diligence. Verse 11 tells us those making the most of their opportunities will have plenty to eat. The diligent, we learn, are destined to rule (in some way), whilst the lazy will always be the vassal (verse 24). Further, the diligent value their possessions, making the most from them (verse 26).
Blessing and Cursing
As with the majority of the proverbs in chapters 10-15 the contrastive quality (characterised in the use of the word “but”) makes it easier to see both blessing and cursing in the same proverb.
Those with integrity are assured of a sound position in life – ground that doesn’t easily move, that’s good to trust (verses 3 and 7). Simple blessings accepted are good for life; the pretentious life is folly (verse 9). The fruit of those on the right path is multiplied (verse 12). There is no harm for these, but trouble follows those who are off track (verse 21).
Copyright (c) 2010 S. J. Wickham.
When Lives Are At Risk
Oct 13th
Have you ever missed hearing and remembering what someone said and then acted upon incorrect information? Perhaps you have not seen something visually important while operating equipment or you’ve missed an important detail when studying instructions. Or, you may be prone to being physically awkward and clumsy when doing hands-on activities. These sensory mistakes occur each day in our personal and professional lives. Alarmingly, they often occur when we are completely unaware of them. Your everyday mistakes may be impacting negatively on your job performance. Is it possible they may be placing your life and the lives of others at risk?
Neuroscience provides the insights and solutions to understand the phenomena of sensory “blind spots.” Your brain is wired to optimally take in sensory information in a preferred sequence of sensory pathways. The last sensory pathway in your sequence of the following is your “blind spot.”
Kinesthetic (“body smart”)
Visual (“picture smart”)
Auditory (“word and sound smart”)
Blind spots are what you normally pay least attention to, but use in everyday situations. Because you do not pay as much attention to these sensory pathways, you often miss information that comes through these channels. Stress, worry, anxiety and distractions increase the probability of paying even less attention to your “blind spot.” It’s important to know your blind spot on an individual and team basis to avoid mistakes and costly accidents. Imagine what might happen if a pilot and co-pilot both had Visual “blind spots” in an emergency situation.
Which category do you relate to the most? This may be your sensory “blind spot.”
Auditory
Misunderstanding or not hearing a verbal instruction or alert
Not attending to a sound that may signal danger
Difficulty finding the right words to express what you are thinking
Tuning out during lecture and auditory situations
Visual
Ignoring or not seeing what’s important
Loss of focus on objects, visual media, gauges and screens
Difficulty with written instructions/tests, comprehensive data and filling out forms
Incomplete visual observations and sensing visual movement
Kinesthetic
Physical awkwardness and tentativeness doing hands-on motor activities
Time lag to react and respond quickly and accurately
Low levels of “gut feel” for assessing a situation
Diminished awareness of physical sensations, vibration, movement
Being aware of what you pay least attention to will help you focus and concentrate when you have to do something important using your sensory “blind spot.” Repetitive awareness of your “blind spot” is a brain strengthening exercise that will minimize putting lives at risk.
