All Else but Dependability

As recorded in Genesis, Jacob said of one of his sons: “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel . . . “¹ “In any line of endeavor,” observed another source, “one trait of character that makes a man stand out from his fellow, is dependability. There are, of course, many who have little else than dependability. Taken alone it could never elevate one very high . . . but, possessing all the other necessary attributes to . . . success and lacking dependability, he would never attain the heights that he otherwise would. A leader who is not dependable will not keep his following for long. An executive expects dependability in his subordinates and he himself must have it to retain their respect.”² In business, in marriage, in the home, in the pursuit of any profession, and even between countries and communities, people need to know what the can count on. Laws and locks, contracts and commitments are in some ways only as good as the dependability of the people. The opportunities that are open are limitless for dependable, prepared young people, who have the character and competence to see things through. And the greatest stumbling block to success is an irresponsibility that cannot be counted on. Whatever else he has to offer⎯ability, talent, brilliance, skill⎯still no person is safe without dependability. No investment, no commitment, no contract is what it appears to be without knowing how dependably a person will perform⎯without knowing that he will do what he says he will, when he says he will, to the best of his ability. Without dependability there is always uncertainly. Without dependability no one can be counted on. “To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.”³ “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.”