5 Leadership Lessons to Lead By from Proverbs 29
5 Leadership Lessons to Lead By from Proverbs 29
1 - Gossip Isn't Just Harmful to Spread—It's Harmful to Hear
Sure, as leaders, we know we shouldn’t gossip. But it goes further—we shouldn’t even listen to gossip. It might seem harmless, but when a leader listens, it spreads negativity through the entire team. Proverbs 29:12 says, “When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil.”
2 - Value Every Member of Your Team
Never overlook, dismiss, misplace anger on, or devalue the young coach, the player who rarely plays, the entry-level employee, or anyone else who might feel voiceless. Treat everyone with love, respect, justice, and appreciation for their contribution. When you do, you gain healthy authority and respect. Proverbs 29:14 says, “Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.”
3 - Lead with Humility, Not Pride
Lead with pride, and you’ll fall and suffer public humiliation. But live and lead with humility, and you’ll lead honorably. Proverbs 29:23 tells us, “Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors.”
4 - Don't Let Criticism Shake You
Even with the best intentions, perfectly executed plans can still attract criticism. This is summed up perfectly in the quote, "You can be the sweetest and ripest peach, and still there will be someone who hates peaches." If you let yourself be bothered by the opinions of those who don’t matter, you’ll compromise your standards. Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.”
5 - Expect Resistance When You Lead Righteously
I used to think that striving to be more righteous would bring more support and promotion. That was cap. The truth is, there will always be those with wicked, evil, and ungodly motives who despise you for leading righteously. The sooner you understand and accept that such people will always hate on you as long as you lead the right way, the better off you’ll be. Proverbs 29:27 says, “The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.”