“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;”
As with much of Proverbs and throughout scripture, this is a very practical verse. Solomon is letting the farmer know that ensuring your flocks’ needs are met will bring much-needed results down the road. A wise business leader understands this as well, and so does a parent. In business, certain industries have placed a strong emphasis on employees developing a healthy work-life balance. It’s been referred to at times as soul care. I remember over a decade ago, one of my kids told me that the new company he worked for wanted him to use an hour of his workweek to learn something new. Not something new in their industry, but something he wanted to explore in his personal life. It could be picking up the guitar, painting, sailing, or cooking. They didn’t really care, but his direct supervisor would hold him accountable for doing it. In their weekly reviews, the question would always be asked, with genuine interest, about the new activity. I’m not sure how long that practice lasted, but I believe it was always understood that enjoying life beyond work was important to them. According to Google, “The beginnings of soul care can be traced back to the founding of Potter’s Inn at Aspen Ridge in 2006 by Steve and Gwen Smith. The retreat center in Divide, Colorado, was created to care for the souls of leaders in the marketplace and in ministry.” I’ll allow them the claim to the title, but soul care has been a priority of our Heavenly Father since the beginning of creation. Today, care for those entrusted to you—both in your family and in the workplace. #BeTheEdge
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
