The Decalogue and practical wisdom: rereading a seminal text

Abstract

Purpose

Acting in complex and paradoxical situations cannot be taught through recipes. This article rereads a seminal Biblical text, the Decalogue, and seeks to place it in the actual context for people confronted with difficult decisions and actions. If foundational texts are not actualised, they lose their meaning. This is the base of the Judaic exegetic tradition. Practical wisdom can use the Decalogue to act in a relevant way in uncharted territory.

Design/methodology/approach

A method combining the reading of an old text with a dialoguing commentary in a group is how this actualisation has been elaborated. Oral and written traditions jointly are essential in making the seminal texts of practical wisdom relevant for our times. This commentary has been elaborated as a result of a dialogue with three different groups of more than ten members. This is the way the author uses the term “validation”.

Findings

In the Judaic language verbs are the most important grammatical components. The First Testament texts have their origin in the wisdom to act in a social context. The Decalogue is the central tenet of this practical wisdom. The author has been introduced to this wisdom through the research of communities to create an art of living away from the mainstream individualistic ideology. Currently in management discourse, the use of the words, social networks, stakeholder focus, community development and the attention to systemic and ecological relationships is increasing and this experience can provide an alternative discourse helping them in their endeavours.

Originality/value

Actualising an ancient tradition, the article makes it relevant for issues with which decision makers are struggling today.

Citation

Hoebeke, L. (2010), "The Decalogue and practical wisdom: rereading a seminal text", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 29 No. 7/8, pp. 736-746. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621711011059176