Flavor #8: Thinking (Esah; Boule; Phronesis)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence and Significance: Thinking is more than mental activity; it embodies deliberate and purposeful reflection. The Hebrew term Esah signifies it’s composed of counsel and advice, emphasizing thoughtful planning and prudence. Similarly, the Greek word Boule denotes intentional counsel or purpose, reflecting decisions made after careful deliberation. Phronesis refers to practical wisdom (#25), and your ability to navigate complex situations with wisdom, carefulness, sound judgment and ethical insight. Collectively, these terms highlight thinking as a disciplined process (#26) that stimulates your mind, integrates morality (#15), gains understanding, increases your intellectual capacity, and guides you toward virtuous, practical and effective actions.

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: This flavor manifests as pausing before responding, engaging in reflective journaling, and seeking diverse perspectives to inform your decisions. Thinking involves gathering information, weighing options, and aligning choices with your core values. Its nutritional benefits are substantial: making wise decisions, enhancing problem-solving skills, and reducing reactive and impulsive actions. By cultivating this flavor, you position yourself to experience personal growth, strengthened relationships through communication that is considerate, and a contribution to communities of people who could benefit from your thoughtfulness and discernment (#11).

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My spouse merits a generous expression of this flavor. In moments of disagreement or joint decision-making, I will commit to thoughtful engagement, active listening, contemplation of her viewpoint, and responding with empathy and clarity. This approach involves me asking insightful questions, offering well-considered advice, and creating an environment where open and respectful dialogue occurs consistently. By embodying this flavor, I aim to nurture mutual understanding, reinforce trust, and collaboratively navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and care.”

Thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.

Dr. Ken McGill, LMFT — Attachment Repair for Couples • Faith-Integrated Trauma Therapy in California • Healthy Adult Mode Therapy for High-Functioning Professionals. Dr. McGill provides attachment-focused therapy integrating psychology and spiritual formation for couples and individuals seeking structured growth, with telehealth available statewide in California and Texas and in-person sessions in Plano, TX. Learn more or schedule a session at drkenmcgill@live.com, www.drkenmcgill.com, or 972. 505. 6144.