Proverbs 28:1-16 — Acronym time!

READ THIS: Proverbs 28:1-16

1 The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. 3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. 4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. 5 Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. 6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. 7 A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. 9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. 10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. 11 The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. 13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. 16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

On and off throughout chapter 28 of Proverbs, we learn about two different ways a ruler can act: foolishly and wisely! In this passage, there's one word that summarizes the key to wise living for this ruler: humility. At the core of every bad choice we see here is a problem with pride, and at the core of every good decision is a humble heart. While we may not be rulers of kingdoms or anything like that, we certainly are giving chances to be leaders wherever we are, so here's some things to hold onto that humble rulers do! Humble rulers...

• Have confidence in their ability to lead because of God, not themselves (v. 1)
  
• Use discernment and knowledge rather than rebelling (v. 2)
• Maintain integrity and never abuse their power over others (v. 3, 8, 15-16)
• Bear instruction from the wise people around them and from God in a positive way (v. 4-5, 7, 9)
• Lead those around them toward Jesus, not toward what they want (v. 10, 12)
• Expect that they will mess up and learn from their mistakes (v. 11, 13-14)

God is always giving us chances to lead, but how we lead is even more important! This week, try and see every opportunity you have to lead as a chance to lead humbly and glorify Jesus.

THINK ABOUT IT:

1.  Which of these bullet points is something you struggle with? Which of these is a strength for you?

2. Why do you think it is important that leaders model humility? How did Jesus model humility when he led?

TRY THIS:

 

As it says up there... good leaders know they aren't perfect! On your phone, a sticky note, or someone else, write down 3 ways you could grow as a leader!