Proverbs – Day 16
Scripture: Proverbs 16
To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.
Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.
Devotional:
So much has been written and said about leadership that it would be folly to try and cover it all here. John Maxwell’s books alone could fill a small library. Whether you’re a leader – in the workplace, at home, or in a ministry, you can use Solomon’s guidance to increase your impact.
A wise leader cares fairly and justly for his people. One of the primary pillars of government is to protect the people. Yet so often political maneuverings seem to favor the politicians and the wealthy at the expense of those in need. “A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.” (v. 3) This even applies to leaders in the workplace. You may have worked for someone who leads with intimidation in which every day feels like a matter of survival. Wise leaders are those who “detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” (v. 12)
A wise leader surrounds himself with and listens to wise people. Before a new U.S. President takes office, he chooses individuals for his cabinet. A wise president doesn’t just choose those who will agree with his decisions, but those who have strengths where the leader is deficient. “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.” (v. 13) “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (Prov 11:14) But surrounding yourself with wise people is not enough; you must listen to their counsel. “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Prov 25:15)
A leader influences the attitude of her followers. If you lead others, your attitude will rub off on them… for better or for worse. “When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.” (v. 15) “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.” (Prov 19:12) While you don’t have to pretend to be positive all the time, realize that your demeanor directly impacts the climate of your followers. You can’t control the attitudes of others, but you do have the power to change your own attitude.
Key Verses:
“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.” ~ Proverbs 16:13,15
Questions:
- Do you have people you can trust to give you honest feedback about your leadership? Do you listen to them?
- How have you seen your attitude affect those whom you lead?
