Proverbs 12:1-7 – Be efficient but more importantly be effective

In life, we don’t merely want to be efficient but we must seek to be effective. Efficiency and effectiveness have shades of meaning that differ. Efficiency can be defined as doing things right. Whereas, effectiveness is defined as doing the right thing. With efficiency we can do a thing right, but we can do a wrong thing rightly though. When that happens it’s pointless. It leaves us in a rut. But with effectiveness we are ensured that we will always be doing the right things in the right way. In Proverbs 12:1-7, we are given perspectives that not only make us effective but also efficient.

Firstly, one who is effective is not afraid of discipline. In reality, an effective person welcomes it. With disciplines there will be an increase in knowledge. Discipline enables us to accept correction. And in so doing increases knowledge of things and wisdom to handle life. On the other hand, a person who hates correction, according to verse 1, is stupid. He is insensible and like a beast incapable of aiming for a higher aspiration in life. He is unable to appraise life and thus, hampered from progressing

In relating to God, an effective person obtains blessing from the Lord. Why? Because he sets his character right. Verse 1 tells us he is good, meaning he is virtuous and commendable. No wonder he receives blessings from the Lord. He is unlike the crafty man who schemes evil and connive wickedness all the time. Such a person is condemned. Unlike the good man, the crafty one will not have a firm hold of life. He is a tree with shallow roots. Whereas a good man is held firm and solid by his righteousness. They are likened to deep entrenched roots that will hold steady in times of trial and storm. Especially, when it comes time to give an account to God in His judgement seat.

In relating to the wife, an effective man’s is honoured by a virtuous wife. His standing in the community will be greatly enhanced because she adds value to who he is in the society. A virtuous wife is one with a right mental attitude of mind with great disposition of character. She is the cheer of her husband. Contrary, a wife without virtue is like a disease that slowly but surely wears down and weakens the husband. She is a vexation. Like a canker worm she drains up all his strength and deprives him of sustaining vigour.

In relating to his own thought processes, a man thinks constructively and righteously. He executes his godly life based on careful and considerate plan. His plans are usually well designed with plenty of sound morals built in. He could do it because his mind is disciplined by discipline thoughts. Hence, he approaches all his plan with wisdom. On the opposite end, a person with a twisted mind devises dishonest methods to achieve his evil intention. He only concern is the end result and not the wicked process he embarked to achieve it.

In relating to words and deeds of an effective person aimed at delivering victims out of their evil traps, he will warn, counsel and admonish the wary and help them view their circumstance with right perspectives. A wicked on the other hand will conspire, plot, lie, slander, and hurl false accusations to endanger the life of this victim. 

And finally, in relating to the end, an effective person will be able to weather tough circumstances of life. He will be able to withstand all the assaults and onslaughts of life with a great outcome. He will stand to testify of the gracious dealings of God. An ineffective person, on the other hand, will cease to have power. Whatever he has will be overthrown when God’s judgement falls. There will be no reversal for him, be it finance, or health, or relationship. He will not be able to withstand it.

We can desire to be effective. Begin with God, to re-orient our mind and perspectives. Bear in mind that if we think we can, we can. Don’t give up but live boldly for God. Be consistent but don’t be stumped by little and occasional failures. Don’t be minimized by imaginary limits but go deeper with God every step of the way. The adventures with God are limitless. Go for it!