Luke Herrin, AIM's International Director, shares what he has been learning in the book of Proverbs. We invite you to sit in these Proverbs and meditate on God's wisdom.
For the last month or so, much of my bible time has been in Proverbs. Though we might question how well King Solomon, the human author of this book, applied it to his own life, there is no question as to the tremendous wisdom it has for all who read and apply it, even 3000 years after it was written.
The book is mostly directed towards young men, who, apparently, tend towards foolishness, rebellion, and dissipation. Who knew! But there are also verses for women, parents, and even kings. Most of the book can be applied to anybody who will listen, young or old, male or female, rich or poor. Some women aspire to be “Proverbs 31 women.” I aspire to be a “Proverbs 10-30 man,” friend, father, grandfather, husband, neighbor, and leader.
In my role in AIM leadership, I find that much of Proverbs speaks to me and my situation. Here are just 8 proverbs (among hundreds) that teach me to lead in the way our Father prescribes.
Proverbs 21:31 "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."
Having a horse was a huge advantage in battle. In our battles to extend the Kingdom of God, our horses might be good logistics, administration, finances, structures, training, etc. All of these things are important in mission work, and the Lord calls us to do our best in serving and supporting our missionaries. But we must not think that the horse wins the battle, or that the Kingdom advances through our best organizational efforts.
Victory belongs to the Lord, not to the horse, soldier, or general. We do well to remember this and offer prayers and worship to Him.
Proverbs 13:18 "Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored."
We all lack wisdom, we all need instruction on various things. No problem there, and we easily acknowledge this. But we, or at least I, do not like being reproved, rebuked, corrected, or called out. How hard it is for most leaders to receive this, even if offered in the best spirit and most gentle words. But we all need it, and leaders perhaps more than most.
Do we want honor or disgrace? I choose honor, but the pathway leads through instruction and reproof.
"Every culture seems to have its own unique, collected wisdom, pithy insights of the wise. Oftentimes, these tidbits of wisdom are preserved in the form of the proverb. We have proverbial sayings in American culture. I am thinking of sayings such as "A stitch in time saves nine" or "A penny saved is a penny earned."
The Bible, of course, has an entire book of such pithy sayings—the book of Proverbs. However, this compilation of proverbial wisdom is different from all other such collections in that these sayings reflect not just human wisdom but divine wisdom, for these proverbs are inspired by God." -R.C. Sproul
Proverbs 29:11 "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."
I bet you know people on both sides of this equation! Foolish people who say whatever comes to mind, and wise people who are in control of their spirits and tongues, those who speak carefully. I can easily tend towards the former. This is not the way of a godly leader. Solomon counsels restraint and discretion.
Proverbs 12:18 "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Our words can cut or heal. This is amplified in the words of leaders. What kind of tongue do you want? How I want my words to heal! Even when I have to speak a hard truth that cuts, can I do it in a way, like a good surgeon, that eventually brings healing?
Proverbs 25:27 "It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory."
Praise is sweet and encourages us, but too much, especially when we expressly seek it, will leave us with that feeling of having eaten too many donuts for breakfast. We can usually identify those who seek their own glory, even if it is done in a clever manner.
This is something that leaders need to confess, repent of, and leave behind completely. If we serve well, we may get a bit of honey, but pass it on to the One who deserves it.
Proverbs 16:32 "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
Solomon constantly exhorts us towards self-control and away from anger. Anger, except on rare occasions, ruins our leadership and injures those we are supposed to care for. Self-control however, gives us great power.
Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
How often do we see people moving in wrong directions, and refusing the advice of those who know better! Solomon would know this better than most. Better to develop the habit of seeking counsel and not pushing ahead based only on our own ideas and desires. One is not called a fool here because of his ignorance or inexperience. We are fools if we do not seek and listen to advice.
Proverbs 4:18-19 "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day."
At the light of dawn, our path may not be entirely clear. But as the sun rises, it gets clearer every step. If we walk according to wisdom, i.e. humility, self-control, trust in the Lord, receiving counsel and reproof, discretion, and gentle speech, our path will be clear, our steps sure, and our ability to lead will grow as we advance.
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Pray.
Luke and his wife Jennifer both have two years left in their term serving as leaders in AIM. They want to finish strong and well. Would you please pray that they, and all AIM leaders, would be “Proverbs people,” walk according to wisdom, leading well, and following well the “path of the righteous?”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Luke Herrin is Africa Inland Mission’s International Director. Prior to this role, he served with his wife Jenny in discipleship and church planting for 20 years, working as a medical missionary in a number of Islamic contexts in the Islands of the Indian Ocean and on the African continent. As International Director, Luke and Jenny travel extensively, visiting AIM’s ministries and church partners in Africa and across the globe. “We attempt to listen well, encourage, and instill vision,” writes Luke.
When not traveling on AIM business, they reside in California. They have two grown daughters.