Wisdom In All Things Special Series
You might say that it was Benjamin Franklin’s disillusionment with a sermon on Philippians 4:8 that was at least partly responsible for his conceiving of “the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” that is his 13 virtues.
A wise life is a virtuous life. There is an expectation of behavior from someone who claims to be wise. This 13-part series will seek to help us understand a life that is exemplified by the characteristics elevated by this great American statesman.
EXPOSE | Sincerity
“Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly” – Benjamin Franklin
EXPLORE | We Act as We Think
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Pr. 23:7a) Actions follow the mind. That is, we tend to do as we think.
While sincerity is our “being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy”, it can’t happen in the moment. It is somewhat premeditated as Benjamin implies. Decide not to be hurtful, and therefore think innocently–until evidence would suggest we do otherwise.
He does add that we are also to think justly. While we seek to do no harm, our thinking should lead to our understanding of right and wrong about the person, the topic, or the situation.
Be genuine, honest, and truthful in our thinking, and speak accordingly.
If we speak.
We do have the option of not speaking. Fewer words are normally more prudent. And, our being “slow to speak” (James 1:19), gives speaking and acting with sincerity its truest aim.
Franklin’s first four words really describe a principle. The foundation on which we should first, govern what we think, and then, guide what may follow from those thoughts.
EXECUTE | Sincerity As the Bedrock
It was said of Franklin’s virtues of Sincerity (and Justice), that it provided him opportunities reserved for the honorable, and that he owed to it (sincerity and justice) the collective effect of all the virtues. You could say that it was the means by which he was able to have an influence, where he would otherwise not:
“…the joint influence of the whole mass of the virtues, even in the imperfect state he was able to acquire them, all that evenness of temper, and that cheerfulness in conversation, which makes his company still sought for, and agreeable even to his younger acquaintance.” (emphasis mine)
Sincerity was the bedrock that gave who he was the span of influence that was even sought after. It opened doors. And left its mark.
How sincerity penetrates:
- It puts people at ease; they are more receptive to what you’re saying, and hopefully, because you’re telling the truth, they hear what they need to hear.
- People will trust you. Because you are trusted, you will be sought out.
- People are drawn to you. Because you are sincere, you care and are fair. That is very appealing–to everyone.
- People know they will get the truth. Because you are sincere and trustworthy, people can expect to get the “truth in love.” It is what Kim Scott refers to in her book, Radical Candor, as being the right combination of “caring personally, and challenging directly.”
- It heals. Just as a genuine apology–sorrow with sincerity–is received, so sincerity mends the relationship and is restorative, accelerating the change or correction intended by sharing the truth.
There are strong similarities between sincerity and love. When you consider the description of love from 1 Cor. 13, we see the correlation to Benjamin’s application of sincerity. Love is… kind, does not envy, boast or is proud… and rejoices in the truth. It guards against the truth not bearing its fruit. It’s how the truth gets through, and has its way.
When love plays out, it uses the right words so as to not harm, which flow from a mindset that thinks the better of the other person or group, with the intention of seeing through to what is just.
For how can we improve if not for being presented the truth? And how would we entertain the truth if not for someone establishing the needed trust by being sincere?
Benjamin Franklin’s Grand Plan
Franklin’s “meticulous execution” of his 13 virtues was embodied in a chart he developed in order to observe and quantify his growth toward perfection.
There are a number of examples of his chart available, but here is one for reference.
Whether you use this chart, or devise something yourself, it is certainly in your best interest to have some tool in place to not only keep you focused, but to establish the habit of intentional growth in those characteristics that make up the virtuous life.
—
Further reading:
Franklin autobiography
