Leadership Principles from Solomon (Proverbs 25)

Here are some principles of leadership as they were preserved by the men of Hezekiah.

1. Use reproof for those who will accept correction and learn from it. (vs. 12)

2. Be faithful in all areas of your leadership. (vs. 13)

3. Recognize your limitations and demonstrate humility. (vs. 14)

4. Be patient and soft-spoken when dealing with people. (vs. 15)

5. Be satisfied when you reach your goals. (vs. 16)

6. Do not be overly familiar with the people you lead. (vs. 17)

7. Do not listen to and carry false witness that has been brought to you. (vs. 18)

8. Only put confidence in reliable people. (vs. 19)

9. Understand a person’s emotional state and provide the support they need. (vs. 20)

10. Give to meet the needs of those who oppose you. (vs. 21-22)

11. Drive away that which will hinder or oppose success. (vs. 23)

12. Lead people with praise and admonition instead of contending with them. (vs. 24-25)

13. Live and lead by principles and do not allow people to move you from them. (vs. 26)

14. Focus on the success of others or the accomplishment of the cause and not personal gain. (vs. 27)

15. Be in control of your emotions. (vs. 28)

Proverbs 25:12-28

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,

so is a faithful messenger to them that send him:

for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift

is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded,

and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee,

lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house;

lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour

is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble

is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather,

and as vinegar upon nitre,

so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat;

and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head,

and the Lord shall reward thee.

23 The north wind driveth away rain:

so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,

than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul,

so is good news from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked

is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey:

so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit

is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.