I have read lots and lots of books on leadership. It’s a hobby of mine. Currently I’m concerned about the criteria, or the lack of solid criteria, we often use to choose our leaders. With those thoughts in mind, I share one final installment of leadership lessons from Proverbs. All the books on leadership, all the gathered wisdom, doesn’t get any better than what we find in the Good Book…

God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship. 22:11

When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil. 21:12

Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. 21:14

Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright. 28:16

A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. 29:5

Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer, lest, hung over, they don’t know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. 31:4ff