Proverbs on Leadership

The book of Proverbs is filled with the wisdom of Solomon and others. Its 915 verses cover such topics as: tongue, sexual morality, friendship, money, laziness, etc. It also includes plenty of verses dealing with good leadership traits.

1) Good Leaders Have Influence

“In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince” (Prov 14:28). Leadership is not so much about position as influence. When Paul was transported to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27), his ship was caught in a storm and about to sink. At that critical moment, the apostle took charge, and his leadership saved everyone. The true test of leadership: Check to see whether or not anyone is influenced enough to follow you.

2) Good Leaders Seek Wise Counsel

“Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Prov 15:22). Being a leader does not mean we have all the answers. Wise leadership will seek help from others with more experience.

3) Good Leaders Operate by the Highest Ethical Standards.

“It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness” (Prov 16:12). Two areas where leaders need to be careful concern temptation: money and sex. Many of God’s leaders succumbed to the dangers of adultery: Samson (Judges 13-16); David lust for Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12); and Solomon and his 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11). “Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings” (Prov. 31:3). Good leaders have integrity. This is seen in the way the speak. “Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right” (Prov 16:13). Integrity involves practicing what we preach, being consistent and dependable, doing what we say we will do, and living in such a way that others will trust us.

4) Good Leaders Appreciate Criticism

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise” (Prov 15:31). To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear” (Prov 25:12). In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue” (Prov 28:23). Being able to seek, listen for and accept constructive criticism makes for a wise leader.

5) Good Leaders Listen Before Answering

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). Three things to remember: 1) get all the facts you can; 2) be open to new ideas; and 3) hear all sides of the story before you make your evaluation. Our decisions are only as good as the information upon which we base them.

6) Good Leaders Deal with Troublemakers

“A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them” (Prov 20:26). Moses had to constantly deal with rebels and troublemakers as he led Israel to the Promised Land. They will deal with people who are harming Jesus’ Body.

7) Good Leaders Balance Truth and Love

“Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by loving kindness he upholds his throne” (Prov 20:28). The Bible describes love not as an emotion but as an action in1 Corinthians 13

8) Good Leaders Submit to God

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov 21:1). Those kings who submitted to God and followed His ways experienced success while those who went their own way met with disaster. A good leader must also be a good follower. Good leaders are always learning. First, they need to learn to submit to God’s will.

9) Good Leaders Practice Studious Planning

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty” (Prov. 21:5). Wise forethought is essential before action is engaged. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Five things needed to accomplish a task: 1) Manpower (enough workers need to be employed to get the job done) 2) Ability (men and women who possess the talent, experience, skill or known how to do the job) 3) Resources (means and materials and money to finish the task) 4) Cooperation (teamwork among the manpower) and 5) Opportunity (the right time available to do the work). Remember these with the acrostic: M.A.R.C.O.

10) Good Leaders Prioritize Their Time

“Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house” (Prov. 24:27). Solomon taught that we should carry out our work in its proper order.

11) Good Leaders Keep Current

“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds” (Prov. 27:23). Stay up with the day to day concerns of their people. Be relevant to remain effective.

12) Good Leaders Beware of Hearsay

“If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked” (Prov 29:12). Good leaders must not act on hearsay. They must get all the facts first and must follow the process of Matthew 18:15–17.

13) Good Leaders Refrain From The Self-Control Killer

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted” (Prov 31:4-5). A leader is to be self-controlled so he can administer justice to the people. Some young men, when they want to ask some girl out, but don’t have the guts to do it will stop at the bar and have a glass or two. That will make them bold and confident, because it has made them dull of their senses. Good leaders must be sober minded at all times. An elder and a deacon are commanded not be found along side of intoxicating beverages.

– Daniel R. Vess

 

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