Gaining Wisdom as Leaders
Last fall, I was helping facilitate our Doctor of Ministry cohort. One of our guest speakers shared his thoughts on leadership. He really got my attention when he pointed to the need for leaders to focus on gaining wisdom. I know I need to continue to grow in wisdom and to gain greater wisdom.
The Bible exhorts us to gain wisdom.
Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 3:5–8, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Matthew 7:24, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
We can learn to be wise.
Jeff Iorg explains, “The Bible clearly indicates that wisdom is attainable. Furthermore, we are responsible to gain it. A book of the Bible was written to reveal wisdom and how to get it. The first major purpose listed for the book of Proverbs is “gaining wisdom” (Prov. 1:2). Does it make sense that a book of the Bible would have the purpose of “gaining wisdom” if that were an impossible goal? Of course, not “(Iorg, pp. 139-140). Note: Jeff Iorg’s book Character of Leadership has shaped my understanding of leadership and this article.
People can also help us gain wisdom. Iorg points out, “Some people are farther down the wisdom road than others. Throughout the Bible we are instructed to observe the wise, seek counsel, and learn from the wise (Prov. 13:20; 19:20)” (Iorg, p. 141).
Our actions reveal if we are wise or not.
Ways we may show a lack of wisdom…
Compulsive behaviors or addictions (Prov 20:1).
Financial irresponsibility (Prov 21:20).
Resenting correction (Prov 15:12). Iorg states, “Wise leaders invite correction and respond positively to it. They are lifelong learners, eager to improve themselves. They have an ease about them that is attractive to others. They are not know-it-alls or braggarts. They do not have delusions of adequacy” (Iorg, p. 148).
False wisdom can fool us.
Iorg warns, “Another interesting contrast in the Bible is between true and false wisdom. All good things, all godly things, have been counterfeited by the devil. Wisdom is no exception. True wisdom has clear origins; so does false wisdom. True wisdom has measurable results, as does false wisdom. True wisdom is readily available, but so is false wisdom. Leaders must be alert to the differences and seek the right kind of wisdom” (Iorg, p. 150).
Pray for true wisdom and keep going back to the grace of God and our salvation in Christ. Humble living demonstrates a shaping through our relationship with Jesus. We have to trust God for wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1–7; 12:8; Col. 1:28; 2:3; 4:5; 2 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 1:8, 17; 3:10; James 3:13–17).
Beware of idolatry and immorality. Beware of legalism masquerading as piety. Beware of throwing off moral restraint and rejecting God’s moral and ethical standards. Beware of justifying envy and selfishness.
Iorg warns, “Beware of leaders who have all the answers or who always have the final answer!” (Iorg, p. 151).
We can become wiser.
Seek God as my source of wisdom. We need to reject worldly wisdom and seek God. Developing a healthy and reverential “fear of God,” is the beginning of wisdom.
Draw on spiritual resources for wisdom. First, one needs to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Second, regular Bible reading, and study is critical to gaining wisdom. Third, we need to pray for wisdom.
Learn from wise people. The Lord can work through wise people to teach wisdom. We can study the lives of people in the Bible and gain wisdom. We can learn by reading biographies. We can also spend time with people who demonstrate wisdom.
A Prayer for Us: Dear Father, You are All-Wise. Your wisdom is deeper and broader than I can imagine. You offer us wisdom if we will seek You. The beginning of wisdom is to fear You — to revere, worship You. Because of Your lovingkindness You offer us wisdom. Help me to grow in wisdom and to gain wisdom. Protect me from the evil of false wisdom. Jesus, thank You for redeeming me. Holy Spirit, fill me. May Your Word guide me and make me wiser. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY
Executive Director
SBC of Virginia