Much of the Book of Proverbs contains wise words from the perspective of an experienced king. He saw those who were dishonest trip over their own dishonesty and come to ruin. He saw those who told lies get caught in the web of their own deceit. Their words were disregarded in public.
In this passage we read more of the same.
Read More wisdom, leadership, integrity, influenceAs a father, I have often become frustrated when my children will not listen to my instruction. What about you? Are there family members, friends, co-workers, leaders, employers, or others that you just wish would listen to you?
The wise person is considered to be discerning in a conversation – speaking with gracious words that will help people understand, rather than words that create barriers.
Read More wisdom, influence, actions
We can all think of someone in a position of authority who made a bad decision with disastrous results.
That is David in our text today. David asks some of his leaders to count the people of Israel. It takes 9 months and twenty days. You have to honour the commitment of David’s followers and his leadership in persuading them to do something they did not see any value in doing.
Read More responsibility, influence, décisionsIf the book of Kings teaches us anything about leadership, it is that as goes the leader so goes the apprentice. Hence we read statements like:
“Azariah obeyed the Lord by doing right, as his father Amaziah had done.” (2 Kings 15:3)
“Like his ancestors, Zechariah disobeyed the Lord by following the evil ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused the Israelites to sin.” (2 Kings 15:9)
Read More discipleship, responsibility, influence
What makes a person – a woman, a man – good and noble is their character, not what car they drive or how much fame they have or where they shop. Being a person of good character doesn’t start outside; it starts inside by having faith and having God work in our lives (Acts 11:24).
Read More character, transformation, influenceIt is not good for us to be alone. We were created to be in community. Friendship is one of the great gifts God has given us to live a happy and fulfilling life. Spending time with someone whose company you enjoy is a great pleasure, and those who are lonely are often in a place dangerous to their own well-being.
Read More friendship, encouragement, influence
