Before we look at verses about leadership in the book of proverbs, let’s look at what leadership means. Please note that Leadership has many definitions, types and different interpretations but here I just want us to have a simple understanding of what it means to be a leader.
Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal. It is a social influence, not authority or power. It requires others, collective efforts. Leadership has nothing to do with seniority or one’s position in the hierarchy of a company. A leader is someone who has followers. They are those who empower others. They have capacity to translate vision into reality.
To be a leader, you need to have Integrity, ability to delegate, good and effective communication skills, be Self-awareness, be grateful, have ability to learn, be able to Influence others, have empathy and many more other qualities.
Now let’s reflect on the verses on leadership in the book of proverbs:
Fairness is a leader’s moral obligation.
“If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.”
Proverbs 29:14
Great leaders are tactful.
“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”
Proverbs 29:11
Good leaders are willing to take advice.
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 11:14
Leaders are careful about what they say.
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.”
Proverbs 21:23
Leaders choose their battles.
“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”
Proverbs 23:9
Leaders act with integrity.
“It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.”
Proverbs 16:12
Great leaders are celebrated.
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.”
Proverbs 29:2
Bribery does no good in any organisation.
“The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.”
Proverbs 29:4
Correction is part of good leadership.
“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”
Proverbs 12:1
Leaders concern themselves with the well-being of their subordinates.
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds;”
Proverbs 27:23
Leaders accept challenges.
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”
Proverbs 24:10
Leaders are social people.
“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
Proverbs 18:1
Leaders let the Spirit do the work.
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
Leaders do not take everything to heart.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
Leaders are generous.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Proverbs 3:27
Leaders invest in their skills.
“Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
Proverbs 22:29
Leaders stand up for others.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31: 8-9
Leaders do not stop doing what is right.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27. @ leadershipGreeks.com.
Here you have it , wisdom is always life. Keep on working on your leadership skills till next time.
Wisdom is Life 