Day 154, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Proverbs 28–31
Leadership Advice
Although we don’t know the source, it has been said, “You can tell how big people are by how they treat small people.” This quotation means we can tell how big-hearted people are by how they treat those whom some in society might consider insignificant. How should we treat children, employees, the underprivileged, the elderly, or those with physical or mental disabilities?
Wherever we might be, are we arrogant, rude, or even mean to people not like us, or are we kind, considerate, and helpful? In this last reading of Proverbs, King Solomon, Agur, and the mother of King Lemuel describe what happens when certain people are in authority. Some are self-centered and ruthless, but others are kind and act with justice and fairness.
If we are leaders, are we people of integrity and high morals, or do we run the risk of perverting justice by seeking bribes? Do we have any concern for the poor, or are we too busy building our assets? God blesses leaders who act with righteousness.
If God is convicting us about these things, how can we change? First, confess our sins to God and others we have offended (1John 1:9). Then, “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3, NIV).Jesus Christ is our example. He came to this earth, greatly humbled himself, and provided us a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so we might have forgiveness and eternal life. When he forgives us, he makes us righteous, and his Holy Spirit changes us. A genuine relationship with God through Christ (more...) enables us to do what is right and be a servant (Matthew 20:26-28).
Instead of being lords over others, Solomon encourages us to be humble, teachable, and let God’s Word, the Bible, be our guide (Proverbs 30:2-6).
More Advice for Spiritual Leaders
Maintain Order and Discipline
King Solomon says, that “when a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order” (Proverbs 28:2, NIV). Do we understand the importance of keeping order? Faithful leadership, communication, and safety are concerns for those who lead. We must do this to have success.
Communicate
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18, NIV). There must be clear, understandable rules and procedures to follow in any home or other organization. And, they must be enforced with justice and equality to encourage all who submit to them (equal justice for everyone). Communicating the policies and their enforcement gives people a sense of security and responsibility.
Personal Discipline and Wise Choices
In King Solomon’s book of Proverbs, his first instructions to his sons (or students) were to fear (or revere) the LORD and obey their parents. Now, at the end of the book, a king called Lemuel quotes something his mother taught him (Lemuel may be a pet name Bathsheba gave Solomon, see more)
“O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights” (Proverbs 31:1-5, NIV).
Men (many of these principles could equally apply to women), some things can destroy us. We need to listen to the parents or guardians who raised us. They want us to be good men and succeed in our leadership. Intoxicating drinks and wayward women can destroy us. They can make us disregard laws and impede our judgment.
King Lemuel’s mother told him to “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, NIV).
Some, like the poor, disadvantaged, elderly, widows, infants, and the unborn cannot speak for themselves. As men and leaders, we must speak on their behalf—this is what God wants us to do!
The last piece of advice given to King Lemuel is to find a good wife who fears the LORD (fearing the LORD means she has a genuine relationship with God and tries to please him, more). Why marry a committed Christian? A wife who fears the LORD “… brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12, NIV). A good wife, not only fears the LORD, but is also resourceful and skilled in providing for the needs of her household, and she reaches out in kindness to her community.
As a fair exchange, the husband, as head of the home, needs to appreciate his wife. In a family, there is little that is worse than a married woman who is not loved(Proverbs 30:21-23). When a man loves his wife, people respect him, and it is easier for her to submit to his leadership.
What to do about Injustice
What if we are not under someone who will rule with justice and kindness? Solomon gives this answer: “Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice” (Proverbs 29:26, NIV).
It is tempting to first seek justice from rulers and administrators since that is their function (Romans 13:1-5; 1Peter 2:13-14). We should pray, however, before we seek help, for it is the LORD who can move the hearts of those in authority. He can bring positive changes.Discussion
If we are big-hearted, how should we treat those who might be little esteemed?
How should Christians in authority lead their homes or other organizations?
What other advice does Solomon, Agur, or King Lemuel’s mother give to leaders?
Focus Verse
Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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Looking Ahead: King Solomon is experiencing Good Times. How does he handle his success? How should we? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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