Proverbs 16:10-15

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about leadership:

Proverbs 16:10-15 (ESV)

10 An oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales are the LORD'S;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

Leadership is a predominant subject in the book of Proverbs.   Solomon simply refers to it as the “king.”   Although we have very few “kings” today, we do recognize that kings live in the world of leadership.   In the above proverb we see several characteristics of good leaders.  Note:

1). Good leaders have something good to say.  They have truth on their lips (vs. 10).

2). Good leaders are full of integrity.  They don’t have mixed ethics for one person verses the other (vs. 11).

3).  Good leaders abstain from evil.  They establish their leadership by doing good (vs. 12).

4).  Good leaders not only speak truth themselves, they surround themselves with those who also speak truth.  They do not tolerate deception in their leadership team (vs. 13). 

5).  Good leaders are not fearful to make difficult judgments and decisions that stop the bad behaviors of others (vs. 14). 

6). Good leaders speak praise and appreciation to those they lead.  They are not afraid to show goodness to those who do good (vs 15).  

Good leaders use God’s wisdom and power to accomplish good and wise things.