The Proverbial Leader

 

“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

 

We all must admit that there are growing crises today, some of which will affect us all. Globally, we, as mankind, have caused new global instabilities between nations and religions. We have also taken a few too many liberties in affecting the natural, protective physics of our global environment. As a great nation, we have let the disparity of wealth between rich and poor grow to levels similar to those that fueled the fire of the Great Depression. We have also let our healthcare system reach insolvency. These are just some of the big ones.

It is important to recognize that, as optimists, we are not called to ignore bad news, to sidestep crises, or to soft-pedal through tough conversations. We are not useless Pollyannas. We are not simpleminded. We are not inert spirits. Rather, we are vessels of potential, able to seek knowledge and wisdom in order to create action and hope.

I like to think of any crisis as an opportunity. I like to ask, “Given this mess, how can we fix it so that, when the dust settles, we are better than if it had never happened? How can we take turmoil and make it a blessing?” I think this is pertinent, not only in world affairs, but also in affairs of the family, heart, work, and health. To heal a crisis and create a blessing takes wise leadership. Whether the forum is the family household, the corporate meeting, the doctor’s office, the national government, or the seats in the United Nations, our fair Lady Wisdom still shouts in the streets, “Come here and listen to me!”

In order to become/elect/recruit wise leadership, it is therefore important to understand the original thesis of wisdom. I have spent some time recording the sage advice of Proverbs, and three elements of wisdom dominated. I was struck by their timelessness and the truth. Let us explore the top three.

Seek Understanding (Ask Questions, Welcome Criticism)

Proverbs is a fairly succinct book, efficient with words and not overly long. There is some repetition, but not much. With that in mind, you might be astounded to know that the dominating advice of Proverbs is, well, listening to advice! About forty-eight (that’s right 48!) references point us towards wise understanding through seeking, asking, and listening (1).

The search for truth is not supposed to be passive, bookish, or casual, but rather fervent and impassioned. “Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for hidden treasure.” Prov 2:2-4 You see, an intrinsic quality of leadership is the love of the quest for truth and understanding. This keeps us out of trouble, you see. “Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.” Prov 19:2

The quest for truth is not enough though, just the start. Of the 48 passages on understanding, 28 of them concentrate on listening to and welcoming criticism. As examples, consider the following excerpts. “To learn, you must discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” Prov 12:1 “If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Prov 15:32 Or, more bluntly, “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond all repair.” Prov 29:1

In order to deal wisely with big issues, we must be able to distinguish (in ourselves and in those we appoint or elect) those who seek a wise understanding of things. Everybody has opinions, even fools, and it is not volume or power that makes an opinion right. “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” Prov 18:2

Don’t Lie

No fewer than thirty-seven (yes, 37!) times does Proverbs present a consistent case about honesty (2). About 17 times honesty is lauded as a trait of wisdom, and at least 20 times lying is berated. The passages go from simple (“It is better to be poor and honest than rich and crooked.” Prov 28:6) to sharp (“Here is a description of worthless and wicked people: They are constant liars, signaling their true intentions to their friends by making signs with their eyes and feet and fingers.” Prov 6:12-13).

There is not much mystery here: don’t lie. A good leader will not consider lying, nor will he/she be hoodwinked or coerced into lying.

Humble, not Haughty

The forementioned traits of wisdom - accepting criticism, realizing our own limitations, and living honestly - are all easier if we try to embrace humility and not let pride rule our lives. Proverbs speaks about 17 times of the honor of humility and the evil of pride and haughtiness (3). C.S. Lewis called pride “the greatest sin” and “the utmost evil.” Pride is sneaky, and passes sometimes as strength or resolve. Humility is often mistaken for weakness, but true humility is a sign of true strength – the strength to accept counsel, admit mistakes, and respect others.

When is the last time you heard a politician, pundit, or CEO speak for a cause rather than from pride? There have been hopeful signs recently in the corporate world – Bill Gates recently announced his retirement so that he could dedicate all of his time to his philanthropic foundation, and Warren Buffett (the 2 nd richest man in the world) recently decided to give 85% of his lifetime earnings (a donation of about $37 billion!) to this international charity, starting immediately. Health, education, and fighting poverty are the priorities of this foundation.

I hope we soon see similar positive signs in government leaders. As tenants in the world’s most powerful nation, we Americans need to carefully take heed: “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Prov 16:18

Leaders will invite and embrace humility. Humility is not about avoiding decisions, but rather making right decisions. Abraham Lincoln was one of the humblest of public figures, yet when he spoke, the audience hushed. They knew he was speaking from his heart and feeling every ounce of his own imperfection. Bless his heart.

Where do we go from here?

We stand amidst multiple imminent crises, as perhaps every generation before us. Perhaps this is our Creator’s way of keeping our eyes towards wisdom, and not letting us get too proud of ourselves. We must rise to the occasion, and let wisdom lead the way.

Wisdom calls to us freely. She speaks frankly and warns us, but she also gives us cause for hope: “All who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.” Prov 1:33

Let us gather at the public square and listen to the good lady speak.

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