Proverbs 8.14-16
“I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.”
The attributes of wisdom-directed leadership that are listed in this passage apply to all who are in a position to lead: business executives, job supervisors and foremen, project managers, school administrators and teachers, athletic coaches, politicians, pastors, and mothers and fathers.
This passage gives four attributes of wisdom-directed leadership:
Esah: counsel
Tushiyah: sound wisdom
Binah: insight
Geburah: strength
Let’s examine each attribute of a wisdom-directed leader.
(1) The first is esah, which is translated “counsel.” It means making use of advice, discernment, and wise judgment when making plans. It refers to seeking out the advice and counsel of wise people, rather than relying only on your own perspective during the planning process. It means being coachable and teachable; it is the opposite of the arrogant, self-centered, know-it-all leader.
A great leader seeks counsel from the timeless truth of scripture, and a great leader prays and seeks God’s wisdom.
(2) The second attribute that the Lord’s wisdom gives to a leader is tushiyah, which is translated “sound wisdom.” It carries the idea of functional understanding that produces lasting, sustainable success. It is not conceptual or philosophical wisdom; rather, it is practical understanding of how something works. It is knowledge that is both efficient and effective. It is the ability to execute.
Effectiveness at any job requires tushiyah … that is to say, a sound and functional understanding of what to do and how to do it. Functional skill is a fruit of godly wisdom. A leader with tushiyah has deep expertise and skill in their profession/job. A great leader can lead people who do the work because he knows the work and has himself done it effectively
(3) God’s wisdom also provides binah, which is translated “insight.” It is rendered “understanding” in some translations. It denotes the kind of perceiving, discerning, and understanding that comes through careful observation and learning. It comes from the Hebrew word for “between,” and implies the ability to distinguish the real from the unreal, and to sift lies from the truth.
It also refers to the ability to analyze complex situations/problems in order to understand how to respond effectively. It is the ability to see “into” a situation (thus “insight”) to understand what is really going on.
A leader with binah doesn’t jump to conclusions. They are not hasty or impetuous in their decision-making. They are careful, discerning, and insightful in their evaluation of people and situations.
(4) The final attribute the Lord’s wisdom provides is geburah, which is translated “strength.” Leadership is difficult work; it is not for the faint-hearted or emotionally fragile. You need strength and stamina to lead a company or a project or a classroom or an athletic team or a toddler.
The strength that is necessary for effective leadership comes from the Lord and his wisdom. Leadership is emotionally demanding, and if you try to operate on your own wisdom, you will burn out. Trust God. Trust his standards. Seek his wisdom.
“For God did not give us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
