Solomon's Wisdom and Leadership

We tend to spend a lot of money on buying various leadership books because we are determined to be the best leader we can be. I urge you to consider that the Bible has numerous lessons about leadership within its pages. Solomon is said to be the wisest man who ever lived and in this first of three books, he gives practical insights into many topics, one if which is being a Godly leader.

Read the chapter 16 and take a look at this list of qualities found there.

Seek Direction

A Godly leader will seek the Lord’s direction, commit fully to the plans and then allow the Lord to determine his steps going forward.

Proverbs 16:1 - We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

verse 3 - Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

verse 9 - We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Be Humble

The Lord will punish those who are arrogant or prideful. Don’t get caught up in that, be humble.

Verse 5 - The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.

Verses 18 - 19 - Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly than to share plunder with the proud.

Be a Peacemaker

A Godly leader will put energy into pleasing God and will usually find even his enemies at peace with him.

Verse 7 - When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.

Be Just and Fair

Let’s be more interested in acting in a godly way, even when we have little.

Verse 8 - Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.

Has Honest, Trustworthy Advisors

A Godly leader doesn’t want just a “yes man”, but those who will give honest advice and speak freely.

Verse 13 - The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.

Is a Lifelong Learner

Don’t ever stop learning. Always welcome lessons about wisdom and judgment. 

Verse 16 - How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver.

Sensible and Kind

Discretion brings about sensible actions and kind words are healthy!

Verses 22-24 - Discretion is a life-changing fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Patient and displays self-control

These qualities are Godly. Don’t loose temper as that can cause great harm.

Verse 32 - Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

So in these eight qualities you find thoughts and lessons on how to apply divine wisdom to your daily life. Knowing God is the key to that wisdom and if we apply these truths in our lives, our leadership will honor Him. So what can you take away from this chapter in Proverbs? Does it challenge you to become more humble? Do you know an example of a humble leader? Can you admit that you should never stop learning? Are you a patient leader? 

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray