Flavor #27: Skilled Behavior (Ra’ah; Horao; Samar; Oikodomeo; Kun; Scholazo)

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

Meaning, Essence, and Significance: Skilled behavior is reflected in your ability to “paint into your reality” attentiveness, perception (#10), deep understanding (#20) and practical action (#25), which are necessary qualities to fulfill your responsibilities with wisdom, skill and care. The Hebrew term Ra’ah invites both intellectual and spiritual insight through intentional seeing and perceiving, while the Greek word Horao goes further, describing a form of deep seeing that brings realization and transformation. Samar means to keep, guard, and observe, emphasizing careful protection of the sacred behavior you’re in the process of building or have built. Together, these words simply describe skilled behavior as a process that contains vigilance, discernment (#11), and purposeful action. But there’s more.

To take it to the next level, skilled behavior speaks to your role as the Chief or Lead Builder: the Arkhitekton, (yes, it means Architect) of your character, growth, wise behavior that’s “under construction” in you.   This role calls for you to integrate Kun: Steadfast readiness; and Scholazo (and yes, you do hear Scholar and School here), which means you devote yourself to a discipline of study, reflection, and work, to cultivate behavior that causes people to think then say “WOW” when they observe the practical action (#25), discipline (#26) and skilled outcomes (#28) of your work. At its core, skilled behavior means cherishing what and whom you’ve been entrusted with; tending (Samar), perceiving (Ra’ah), and beholding (Horao) who you are (1.5), who is before you (2.0) what you’re working on with reverence. Skilled behavior is not about achieving perfection, but is about engaging each day with intention, devotion, and the grace to build something enduring in partnership with God.

Practical Manifestation and Nutritional Value: In daily life, skilled behavior takes the form of mindful, dedicated engagement, where you carry out your tasks and tend to your relationships with purpose and care. Skilled behavior tastes like excellence, reliability, and integrity through quiet effort and meaningful progress, marked by fulfilled promises, thoughtful choices, honest conversations, and structured, intentional living.

This flavor shows up seeking understanding without assumption (Ra’ah), allowing what you see to transform you (Horao), then guarding what matters most (Samar). When you consistently bring intellect, creativity, and emotional presence to your actions, you cultivate trust, foster personal growth, and strengthen your relational bonds. The “nutritional value” of skilled behavior is emotional safety, spiritual alignment, and a resilient life built on credibility, compassion, and purpose. 

Who deserves some of this seasoning? “Both my family and my spouse deserve a generous sprinkling of this flavor. They need more than good intentions; they need the best of my presence, wisdom, and consistency. For my family, this means demonstrating insight, encouragement, and responsiveness with care. For my spouse, it looks like showing up ready (Kun), learning her emotional language (Scholazo), seeking understanding (Ra’ah), and protecting our bond (Samar).  

Skillfully building these behaviors into our marriage creates the transformation we both want and need to see (Horao). This behavior says: ‘You matter, what we’re building matters, and I will develop skilled behavior to protect both of us.’ Practiced skillfully and faithfully, my behavior becomes a sacred offering of nurturing to the people entrusted to my care.”

So 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.