As a Man Thinketh

Speaker Notes

Probably heard quote: As a man thinketh, so is he.

From Bible – Prov. 23:7

Usually misquoted . . . like I just did.

When this Bible verse is misquoted, it leads people to conclusions and beliefs that have the feel of sound wisdom, but are, in truth, weak and ineffective. 

As a man thinketh, so is he.

Motivational speakers say it. Self-help gurus say it. Mindset coaches say it.

The common theme – your intellect . . . your thoughts regulate who you are and what kind of life you have.

This idea is not false. 

But it isn’t totally true.

It is a misquote of a true statement that is in the Bible.

Before I get to the actual quote that is Prov. 23:7 I want to talk about the common use of this statement: As a man thinketh, so is he.

We think that who we are is what we think. (sounds confusing)

Clearer – The thoughts we think make us who we are.

I blame Rene Descartes for this.

Philosopher looking for truth beyond shadow of doubt.

He came up with: I think, therefore, I am.

Descartes and his cronies changed the world. College – Western Civ. – influence thru history up to now.

One result – the idea that your intellect and ability to think is what makes you who you are. I think, therefore I am. Turns into My thoughts (my intellect) determine who I am.

Education system: Teach you how to think. (Teach what to think.)

Smartest people are rewarded. Average or below – future is not so bright.

Change your life? – change your thoughts.

Books: Think and Grow Rich. Power of Positive Thinking. & scads more

Motivational speakers. Self-help gurus. Mindset coaches. 

Change your thoughts – change your life.

Idea is not false.

But not completely true.

Eric, you’re a mindset coach! What are you saying? That what you think doesn’t matter??

Answer: what Prov. 27:3 really says.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

There is a difference between thinking in your head and thinking in your heart.

The Hebrew word is better translated as soul rather than heart.

Who you are doesn’t come from your intellect (conscious thoughts).

Who you are comes from your soul . . . your conscious thoughts are only one third of your soul.

Your emotions and your will (drive, determination) make up the rest of your soul.

Soul = mind

Focus on conscious thoughts to change your life – you’re outnumbered.

Unless your emotions and will (subconscious) are on board, you are stuck.

Positive affirmations, gratitude journals, writing goals, are like trying to steer a yacht by holding an oar in the water.

If you want to transform your life, your soul must be aligned with your goals. What you think in your heart and soul – that is who you are.

Good news – Those thoughts are not set in stone. You choose the thoughts you think in your heart.

But you will never change your life if you only rely on the thoughts in your head.

As a mindset coach, I help my clients do this and become the person they want to be. 

If I can help you, message me here.