Proverbs 30:29-31

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the confidence of a leader:

Proverbs 30:29-31 (ESV)

Three things are stately in their tread;

four are stately in their stride:

the lion, which is mightiest among beasts

and does not turn back before any;

the strutting rooster, the he-goat,

and a king whose army is with him.

At first glance we might ask, "Why these proverbs? What is gained in wisdom from this observation in life?"   Solomon is telling us that by nature there are some things that are "stately" in their walk ... how they march or stride.  Their tread, or stride is showing their confidence. They walk with little fear and with power in their hearts.   The three examples from nature (the lion, the rooster and the male goat) all demonstrate an attitude unparalleled by other animals or creation.   They are provided to us by Solomon to demonstrate to us the feelings of the unnatural leader ... the king with his army.  A leader, fortified by an army of obedient men, is hard to miss.  They are stately in their walk.   We might recall a poor example if this when Israel wanted to turn to Egypt for their salvation when the attack of the Assyrians came.   On the other hand, despite his defeat and loss, we can see the foolish confidence Pharaoh felt when he pursued the Israelites through the bed of the Red Sea.   Solomon knows the power of pride and the ego of men.  Solomon is not stating this is  good or a bad.   He is just stating an observation.   If the king is self-centered this "march" (confidence) would be for evil.  If the king is God-centered this "march" (confidence) would be for good and God's glory.    God made the strut of the lion, the rooster and the male goat.  He makes the powerful walk of a king, as well.  No king (leader) has power except it is given to him by God.   Pilate felt powerful when he condemned Jesus to the cross.  But, it was God’s plan and God allowed and willed Pilate to act in this manner and with that plan.   Think of the confidence of the Pharaoh during Joseph’s days.   He thought he had it all, but it was God who sent Joseph to give him wisdom, which allowed him to strut for 14 years.   Think about Nebuchadnezzar and his pride and arrogance and confidence.  It was Daniel who gave him insight from God.   Leaders with confidence should realize, like the lion, the rooster and the male goat, confidence is a gift of God.   Solomon said this way, earlier in Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV Strong's)

The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Confidence seen via a stately walk ought to be generated by our relationship with God through the righteousness He gives us.