stephen R Harrison

When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding, but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. – Proverbs 28:28

God made men to be leaders. Leadership, however, isn’t about title, power, or position. It’s about service, humility, and love. I always thought that to be a good leader, I had to have a commanding presence, a comprehensive platform, and a charismatic personality. You don’t necessarily need any of those or the ability to begin all your points with the same letters! Some of the best leaders I know aren’t “natural” choices, but neither were David, Joseph, or any other great leaders in the Bible. 

Leadership is not about being the boss or in charge. The leaders who have inspired me over the years operated behind the scenes. They modeled service, humility, and love. The best leader isn’t always the one center stage with the microphone. It’s the person who prays and loves the most. It’s the person who faithfully shows up and displays the greatest Christlike character. With authority comes great responsibility. Christlike leadership is servant leadership. It says, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Servant leadership isn’t about gaining followers of self but pointing people to Jesus.

In Proverbs 28, Solomon shows us the qualities needed to be in charge. If these aren’t present and active, you’re not in charge. Spiritual authority is being submitted to Christ, obedient to the Spirit and Scripture, and humbled to serve those entrusted to us by the Lord.  A man has the opportunity to lead many in his lifetime: a spouse, children, employees, the church, etc. However, to lead others, a man must be led by God. You can’t take anyone anywhere you haven’t been. Men, we must pursue a relationship with Jesus. We must be men of the Word and Prayer. It’s easy to follow a man who looks like Jesus. Solomon describes a man who seeks (5), fears (14), and trusts (25) the Lord. We will not lead like the Lord if we do not spend time with Him and allow Him to shape our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Proverbs 28 provides a clear picture of godly leadership.

Proverbs 28 men are righteous (1). They seek God’s righteousness and Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). He brings order and stability through obedience, not rebellion (2). They bless and do not oppress (3). They seek God’s way of doing things and gladly obey (4-5, 7, 9). Proverbs 28 men protect and provide for the most vulnerable (3, 15, 27) through kindness (8), goodness (6), and generosity (27). They lead through compassion and love. You can always spot a godly leader because they are among those they love and enjoy doing life together.

Proverbs 28 leaders confess their sins and admit when they are wrong (13). They soften their hearts before the Lord and let Him direct their life (14). They strive to be above reproach and blameless (18). They are not greedy (22) but generous (27). They do not play favorites but treat everyone kindly (19-23). Proverbs 28 Men walk with the wise, not fools (26). I’ve always admired men who surround themselves with people who love and live for Jesus. If we are going to lead people well, we must love them well. We must pray for those we lead daily. We must humble ourselves and ask God to help us lead people closer to Christ. Our families, friends, and church members must see us serving, worshipping, uniting, and prioritizing God’s Word. May we strive to live like Jesus as we lead others closer to Him!

Questions to Ponder

1. What are the qualities of a good leader?
2. Who are the main people God has entrusted you to lead? 
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Pick one of Solomon’s qualities and list some ways you can grow this week.
2. Pick a person (spouse, child, friend, employee, etc.) and pray about how you can lead them better. What’s your first step?

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 4:6-7, 6:6-9, 12:1, 15:22, 22:1, 28:6

Prayers to Pray

Lord, I want to be a humble, kind, and serving leader. I want to lead others with integrity. I need the qualities described in your Word to lead people to you. Help me spend time with you so I can help others be more like you. Keep power, prestige, and position far from my heart and mind. May Solomon’s wisdom be displayed through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.