NIV Leadership Bible Reading PlanSample

Wisdom

When a person demonstrated exceptional ability in a craft or art, that person was said to have what the Hebrew language calls hokma. English-speaking translators render it as "skill." The writer of Proverbs selected that Hebrew word to describe the quality needed by anyone who wanted to live life in the superlative – a life of excellence. When the word is used this way, English translators use the word "wisdom." Wisdom, then, is that quality that enables one to live a noticeably, recognizably outstanding life. Imagine how much this wonderful thing called wisdom can contribute to effective leadership.

Not all leaders think about wisdom as a character trait that needs to be carefully cultivated. Certainly, wisdom can and often is the end result of long experience in the leader's field of expertise. But the leader who gains wisdom by making poor decisions and learning from them is much farther behind than the leader who seeks the right kind of wisdom from the start.

In Proverbs 8 wisdom is portrayed as a woman calling out for all to choose her. Notice especially what she claims in verses 12-21. What leader in their right mind would not want such a priceless tool? Spend some time with this chapter. Heed wisdom's invitation. Imagine this wise and wonderful woman gazing intently into your eyes and saying the words recorded in verses 32-36. Can you think of anything more valuable to leadership than this?