Fountains of Wisdom-A Study of Proverbs (Part 29) –How to be a Great Leader
As we look at Proverbs 16: 10-33 we can see a full description of what makes a leader—whether that be a King, a President, a manager at work, or the head of a family. Leadership comes with great responsibility. First and foremost, we recognize that leadership begins with God. As God is Sovereign, He it is that establishes all authority and appoints those that are just as well as the unjust to ultimately accomplish all that He has planned.
photo courtesy of istockphoto.com
Those placed in positions of leadership will be placed in positions of high accountability also with God who is the final judge over all and is the one who holds all the weights and balances in His hands. (Proverbs 16:11).
So, what are the characteristics of a great leader? The following are a list of characteristics found in Proverbs 16.
1. Prayer and time alone with God goes before any major speech or announcement so as to ascertain it is God’s voice that leads the leaders decrees (Verse 10)
2. Never abuse the power given them as God will be the ultimate judge. (Verse 12)
3. Seek counselors who will tell them the truth and will not try to deceive or just say things to sugar coat the situation.(Verse 13)
4. Have the power to destroy lives and need to take that responsibility with care, while still commanding respect (Verse 14)
5. Through kind words of encouragement can cause their employees, their company, their family or their country to flourish. (Verse 15)
6. Put the value of God’s wisdom greater than financial gain. (Verse 16)
7. Determine to not follow pathways that are evil in any part of their practice by seeking after righteousness. (Verse 17)
8. Do not become proud over the position God has given them; because they recognize that as quickly as he gave it to them, He can take it away. (Verse 18)
9. Should always remember that no amount of money is worth obtaining it through treacherous means which cost you more than you ever can gain by it. (Verse 19)
10. Happiness and prosperity come from following God and seeking after knowledge of Him. (Verse 20)
11. The truly wise leader knows how to teach with a gentle, soft tone of voice. (Verse 21)
12. True understanding comes from God—the good leader knows it is found like a fountain within him. (Verse 22)
13. The wise leader waits to speak, listening to God’s instructions so that when they speak they are able to guide others. (Verse 23)
14. The good leader speaks words that are uplifting and encouraging. (verse 24)
15. Seek direction from God and don’t rely on themselves; knowing that they can fatally err in their own judgment, unless they seek God’s guiding hand. (verse 25)
16. Remembers that the laborer is motivated by his needs. Charity to those who can work may lead to their own laziness and destruction. (verse 26)
17. Gossip should be avoided and those who engage in gossip will become their own destructive force. Leaders would discourage any form of gossip. (verse 27-28)
18. The good leader will avoid all those who would attempt to lead them astray by a flirtatious wink of the eye or an enticing smile. (verse 29-30)
19. The leader who follows after righteousness (found only in God) is honored when they grow older—like the family’s matriarch. (verse 31)
20. The good leader is slow to anger and controls their temper (verse 32)
21. Never forgets that God is Sovereign over all. (verse 33)
Whether leading a nation, a company, a church or a family; God has provided the instructions needed to be a successful leader. That begins and ends with God as the supreme leader and guide. Without Him, we can never succeed. With Him, we can reach our highest potential as leaders. He is all we need and could ever hope for.
So, my prayer today is the song "Lead Me Lord" by Gary Valenciano.
Lead Me Lord by Gary Valenciano
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”