These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah. It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind! Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the king’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice. Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you’ve seen something, don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat? When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick! Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you. As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Proverbs 25:1-28 NLT
Many of these proverbs are about how to be a good leader. God gives us leaders to help us grow closer to Him and live out His mission on earth. In this proverb we see that wise leadership pays attention to the voices, information, and people that we allow to influence us. Likewise, we want to be wise about how we use our influence. Effective leaders choose their words carefully. Even when interacting with other leaders, patience and wise words are crucial. Effective leadership is a skill and a spiritual gift; surrounding yourself with wise leaders is a solid biblical practice.
One of the hardest proverbs to understand is verse 2: God conceals things, but the king’s job is to search them out. This does not mean that God hides everything, but there are things in life that require questioning, searching, and investigation. The Lord is not against questions -- He invites them. One of the most important things a growing leader will do is ask questions. Jesus asked people hundreds of questions. Questions provoke people to think and get to the heart of the matter. Questions also help a leader grow if he or she is asking the right questions. Great leaders are life-long learners with a growth mindset; they are curious, they ask, “what’s next,” and they are eager to grow. If you want to find future leaders, look for the people who ask questions and enjoy learning. Invest in those who are not content with what they already know, or the way things already are.
How are you using your influence to lead others closer to Christ? This week, how can you practice a growth mindset by asking questions, and determining a “next step”? What action step will you take today to lead yourself, then lead others with godly wisdom?
