WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WISE LEADER
(According to Proverbs)
Defining our Terms
What is Leadership?
“Leadership is a dynamic process in which a man with God-given capacity influences a specific group of God’s people toward His purposes for the group.” - Dr. J. Robert Clinton
“Leadership is the art of influencing others to their maximum performance to accomplish any task, objective, or project.” - William Cohen
“Leadership is influence.” – Dr. John Maxwell
“A leader is one who knows the road, who can keep ahead, and who can pull others after him.” - Dr. John R. Mott
What is Wisdom?
“A godly person seeks, through wisdom given by the Spirit, to apply the precepts of the Lord to the circumstances of life” – Dr. John Frame in Systematic Theology (p. 354)
“Wisdom is both intellectual and ethical. Wisdom is a form of knowledge that penetrates to the deeper significance of things and therefore enables us to apply that knowledge to practical situations.” Dr. John Frame in Systematic Theology
“In the Bible, wisdom means that a person thinks the thoughts of God and brings them to bear upon particular issues in life. He becomes a skilled artisan in life” (ex: Exod. 31:1-5; Jas. 3:13-17). – Dr. Don Owsley
What are Some Qualities of True Wisdom?
1. Our wise God communicates wisdom to us by his Word and Spirit within the context of life (Dt. 17; 34:9; Prov. 30:5; Jer. 8:8-9; Acts 6:3; 1 Cor. 2:6-16).
2. It is the ability to know and do the right things in difficult situations (Lk. 21:14-15).
3. It is the ability to say the right thing (Acts 6:10; 1 Cor. 2:6; 12:8; Col. 1:28; 2 Pet. 3:15).
4. Biblical Wisdom is revealed through good works done in meekness (James 3:17-18) and it manifests these virtues:
a. Pure - the heart of true wisdom; moral integrity (Matt. 5:8).
b. Peaceable – one doesn’t start strife or dissension but actively promotes peaceable solutions (Rom. 12:18; Matt. 5:9).
c. Considerate – gentle, kind, forbearing, gracious patience, gracious allowance for others. “…Steadfastness which is able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment, trusting God in spite of all of it (Phil. 4:5; 2 Cor. 10:1)” in Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament. (1980).
d. Reasonable – submissive, willing to yield, compliant, and easy to be entreated.
e. Full of mercy – delights in mercy, justice and faithfulness; is merciful toward others (Matt. 5:5, 7; 23:23).
f. Full of good fruit – God’s good work is manifested in your deeds.
g. Unwavering – is single-minded devotion to the Lord; undivided and certain with regard to purity as opposed to immorality.
h. Sincere – without hypocrisy or pretense; not fake.
5. Godly, biblical wisdom is a holistic quality of one’s heart (mind), word, and deed.
6. There are three key aspects of a leader (for example, see Romans 15:14):
a. Character – (to be)
The wise and godly leader has a character of “engraved distinctive quality” that remains steadfast in moral excellence. He or she lives a praiseworthy life, is a person of special quality in whom others willingly place their trust, and is a person with a controlled mind, will, emotions, attitudes, etc.
b. Comprehension – (to know)
This is what God wants you to know. The leader is to mentally grasp hold of truth with a moral perception. This requires disciplined study to gain truth and knowledge so as to comprehend the nature, significance, and meaning of things.
c. Competency - (to do)
This is what God wants you to do: to have the requisite ability to respond to and meet any challenge. The leader is qualified, skilled, and faithful in the work to which he or she is called. The wise leader is effective in relationships, communication, performance, and delegation and is able to lead and to get others to follow. In other words, the leader is competent.
To build trust with followers, you must exemplify these three aspects along with the ability to connect with others.
Wisdom’s Heart-Mind
A. A core feature of a wise leader is humility
1. Read Proverbs 3:7 and 11:2. What do these verses say?
2. In this way, the wise leader is like Jesus Christ (Prov. 8:12-13; 26:12; 1 Cor. 2:14; Phil. 2:1-10).
3. This is a characteristic God tells his people to have (Jas. 4:10).
4. To be humble is the opposite of self-willed and self-pleasing arrogance (Luke 14:10; Phil 2:3; Ti.
1:7; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5).
To apply this personally, humility says:
a. I am not predominately willful, obstinate, domineering, or arrogant.
b. I do not stand hard on “everything” I believe and do not insist on my own way, ideas, or beliefs. In other words, my principles have not become unbreakable laws for others (Rom. 14).
c. I have a genuine interest in others and in what they say and do.
d. I am not one who delights too much in appearance, performance, or status.
e. Humility is the prerequisite to being teachable, thinking rightly about myself before the face of God (Rom. 12:3, 10, 16).
B. A wise leader fears the Lord
1. Read Proverbs 1:7 and compare with Prov. 1:29; 3:7; 9:10; 15:33 and Job 28:28.
2. Something to think about:
To come to a place of genuine repentance, one must understand his or her place before God, recognizing such petty insignificance when compared to an awesome, powerful, mighty, just, holy, righteous, and sovereign God whose wrath is terrifying (Heb. 12:21). Coming into a loving relationship with this awesome God still rests upon the understanding of who he is, what he can do, and what he will do on that terrible judgment day (Heb. 10:27).
A person fears God if he or she knows God because to come into His holy presence is to realize one’s place as a creature, poisoned by sin. Since God’s holiness requires judgment upon sin, such awareness of this truth causes us to be in terror of Him (Gen. 3:10; Deut. 9:19; Psa. 76:8; Matt. 9).
However, God’s gracious and merciful acts toward his people change that dread into awe and a reverent fear for him (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; 130:4; 145:8; Jonah 4:2). Therefore, the gate through which a person enters into God’s presence in order to have a genuine and loving relationship with him starts with fear (Heb. 4:1).
C. A wise leader is a perpetual learner.
Leadership experts Warren Bennis and Bert Nanus spoke to this issue: “It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguish leaders from their followers.” (John C. Maxwell. Becoming a Person of Influence. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997. p. 127)
1. A Wise leader cognitively and relationally knows the Lord (Prov. 2:5; 3:6). Knowledge in Scripture denotes covenantal friendship with God; wisdom denotes skill, especially the skill of godly living (James 3:13-17).
2. A Wise leader has revealed knowledge from God.
a. Prov. 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
b. Jesus Christ is the perfect wise leader because he is Wisdom (Prov. 8). What do these passages tell you?
Isaiah 11:2 - ______________________________________
Matt. 13:54 - _______________________________________
I Cor. 1:24 - _______________________________________
Col. 2:3 - In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
c. The Lord grants wisdom to his people through his Word and Spirit, especially when they ask.
James 1:5 - _______________________________________
Also, check out:
Prov. 3:19; 8:30; 28:7-9; 30:5; Jer. 8:8f; Acts 6:3; I Cor. 1:24, 30; 2:6-16; Col. 2:3; 3:16; and 2 Tim. 3:15.
3. A wise leader’s knowledge grows out of discipleship (Prov. 2:1-5)
(Though the term is not used in Proverbs, the concept is)
Not only is a wise leader a disciple, but the leader also disciples others.
a. This implies repentance
(1) The natural man rejects God’s knowledge because he rejects God (Romans 1; I Corinthians 1:18-21)
(2) The natural man needs a change of heart to turn from sin to become truly wise (Prov. 8:13 cp. 9:10; 3:7)
(3) One must also turn from cherished independence that seems like the right thing to do (Prov. 14:12).
(4) The leader must turn to God’s light to be wise. (Prov. 9:4-6 cp. Jn. 1)
b. This also implies devotion.
(1) Wisdom comes to the lover or suitor of wisdom (2:10)
Prov. 8:34 - Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.
(2) A truly devoted and wise leader will treasure wisdom more than anything else!
(3) He will be devoted to the end. (Prov. 9:9)
(4) Devotion means that the leader is receptive to God’s commands and purposes. (Prov. 10:8).
So, a truly wise person knows the Lord and thinks God’s thoughts about everything!
4. A wise leader embraces instruction and correction as part of his/her life’s training.
a. Training in wisdom is hard and difficult. However, the godly leader intentionally,
determined, and passionately pursues wisdom. There is no passivity in becoming wise.
(1) Wisdom is for anyone who truly wants it from the heart. Even fools are invited to feast upon wisdom (Prov. 9:4,16).
(2) A wise person will seek it out and acquire it (Prov. 1:5; 2:4-5)
(3) Wisdom is costly and is reserved for the upright (Prov. 2:7-9), but it is far more valuable than gold (Prov. 16:16). Therefore, it is something you need to “buy” (Prov. 2:4; 23:23).
(4) A wise person values truth and the Lord enough to pay the price of having it.
Prov. 4:7 - The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Prov. 23:23 - Buy truth and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding.
(5) As a leader, you are called to get wisdom.
Prov. 4:5 Get wisdom! Get insight! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
b. Training in wisdom comes by instruction (Prov. 1:2ff).
c. Training in wisdom also comes by correction.
Prov. 1:23 - Turn to my reproof, behold I will pour out my spirit on you.
Warning: “When you criticize someone, you make it harder for them to change.” – Daniel Goleman. What Makes a Leader. 2014, Loc. 102.
d. Training in wisdom comes by chastening.
(1) Prov. 19:25 -Strike a scoffer and the naïve may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.
(2) Prov. 3:11 -My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof. For the Lord reproves him whom he loves as a father the son in whom he delights.
(3) Prov. 23:13 cp. 3:11 _____________________________________
D. A wise leader, then, has understanding and insight
(Proverbs 1:22; 2:2)
1. The wise leader discerns between good and evil
Phil. 1:9-10 - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.
Take a look at Solomon in I Kings 3:9
I Cor. 2:14 - There is a supernatural discernment that comes from God’s Spirit through his Word.
2. Wisdom brings good sense
Prov. 10:13 - On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. (6:32)
Cp. Eph. 4:18 - where the unwise are darkened in their understanding
Read Genesis 41:37-39 to see an example of God’s wisdom and good sense working through a godly leader.
With a wise leader, there is rationality and orderliness to her or his ways, and sensible answers to situations and problems.
3. When it comes to finding guidance in life, wisdom provides (Prov. 3:21-22 )
a. This includes making plans by seeking advice (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6) and listening to wise counsel (Prov. 12:15).
b. Regardless of your circumstances or situation, wisdom’s guidance in life means to know how to keep a straight course along God’s path of life and light (Prov. 15:21)
4. Wisdom is trusting in God’s will for his or her life.
Prov. 3:5 -
Prov. 19:21
Prov. 20:24- A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord. How then can man understand his own way?
E. A wise leader is shrewd.
Prov. 1:4b - … to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion.
Prov. 2:11 - Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you.
1. The wise one takes the trouble to know his way about and plans his course realistically (Pro. 22:3; 14:15).
“I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and achieved my purpose.” – David Livingstone
2. A wise leader knows the ropes of life, or as some say, “street-wise” (1:1-7).
3. What does Matthew 10:16 say, and what does this mean in practical terms for the leader?
4. In Luke 16:1-13, what does Jesus say about shrewdness?
5. Read Luke 20:19-26. In their cunning ways, certain men attempted to trap Jesus into saying or doing something that would be self-incriminating. How did Jesus apply wisdom in a shrewd way to foil their plot?
6. Read Esther 4-7. How does this account reveal discretion and cunning for a righteous cause?
Wisdom’s Words
A. A Wise One uses her or his tongue well.
(Pro. 10:13, 31-32; 11:9, 12; 15:2, 7; 17:27; 18:4; 20:12)
1. Proverbs 16:23 states that the wise person’s heart guides his or her mouth. What else?
2. The wise leader speaks words that are like a refreshing brook (Prov. 18:4).
3. According to Proverbs 18:20-21 there is great power in words. They have the power to bless or to curse.
4. From Prov. 25:11-12, what else are a wise person’s words like? What does this mean?
B. Wisdom’s words have the power to bring great blessing.
1. Words may be a source of refreshment (Prov. 10:11; 21a).
2. They are a source of wisdom for others (Prov. 10:13a; 15:7a; 20:15).
3. Wise words can also be a source of healing (Prov. 8:7; 12:18; 16:24; 12:25).
C. The wise leader’s words are commendable and good:
1. Good words do not engage in self-praise (Prov. 27:2; 30:32).
But they do praise God (Psa. 66:17; 71:24; 119:172) and praise others (Prov. 8:7; Eph.
4:29).
2. Such leaders are honest and truthful (Psa. 34:13; Prov. 8:7; 24:26; 28:23).
Also, see Col. 3:8-10 and Eph. 4:25.
3. A wise leader’s words are _________________ (Prov. 10:14, 19; 13:3).
“It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
4. Good words are ________________________(Prov. 17:27).
a. Prov. 18:13 - This passage tells you to be a ready listener and not to answer or speak until the other person is finished talking (see also James 1:19).
b. Prov. 15:1
c. Prov. 16:21, 23
d. Prov. 25:15
e. James 1:26
(1) The Lord commands us to have a bridled tongue.
(2) James 3:2 - the one who is able to bridle her or his tongue is also fit to direct the whole life according to God’s will.
(3) This is important, for the measure of one’s spiritual maturity and development comes by the use and control of his tongue!
f. The wise leader thinks before speaking (Prov. 15:28).
g. A wise leader controls her or his words (Pro. 11:13; 21:23 compare Psa. 39:1).
h. Read Ephesians 4:25-32. What does this tell you about your speech?
Observe that misusing the tongue grieves the Holy Spirit. It is noteworthy in Ephesians 5:18ff that five things indicate the filling of the Spirit; four of the five are connected to the tongue!
5. A wise person’s good words fit the occasion (Prov. 10:32).
6. However, good words are never a substitute for positive action when that action is needed (Prov. 14:23).
7. A wise and godly person will communicate by:
a. Encouraging in order to encourage others (Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11).
b. ___________________ others (Deut. 6:4-9; Col. 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14).
c. ___________________ others (Rom. 15:14; 1 Cor. 10:11; Eph. 6:4; 1 Thess. 5:12; Ti. 3:10).
d. Building others up (Acts 20:32; Rom. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Thess. 5:11).
Wisdom’s Deeds
A. Such a leader is wise when dealing with others.
(Pro. 1:3; 10:5; 12:8)
“Wisdom is the ability to read the circumstances and people around them.”
- Tremper Longman
1. The wise person is righteous in all her or his ways.
(Pro. 10:21; 12:18; 16:17; 21:21; Hos. 14:9)
Prov. 11:19 - The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
Prov. 6:1-5 and 17:18 says that a wise person is able to say no to unwise things.
2. He or she knows how to graciously respond to the failures of others (Prov. 14:21).
3. Wisdom informs the leader when and how to keep distance from some people (Prov. 22:24, 25).
4. The wise one is like Jesus Christ, the Servant of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2; 52:13; Pro. 8:20; Matt. 13:54; Lk. 2:40 1 Cor. 1:24; 2:14).
Col. 2:2b-3 - …to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I Cor. 2:14 – the leader has the mind of Christ who taught his people:
· To hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5)
· Exhibit religious and practical aspects of righteousness
· A true righteousness embraces morality (one’s good relation with others) and holiness (one’s relation with God)
· To be a real servant.
B. The wise leader is a good friend who is:
1. Constantly loyal to friends (Prov. 18:24, 27:10).
2. Honest with them (Prov. 24:28; 25:18) even when it hurts (Prov. 27:6).
3. Able to give wise counsel (27:9 cp. 1 Sam. 23:16, Jn. 15:15).
4. Kind and not cruel (25:20 cp. Job. 16:20).
C. A wise one has a good name.
Prov. 12:8 - A man is commended according to his good sense…
Prov. 22:1 - A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or
gold.
James 3:13 - Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Acts 6:3 - Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.