Great Leaders Practice Wisdom
In today’s fast-paced world, pastors, ministers, and leaders distinguish themselves in their ability to lead and influence others—not just through their intellect or knowledge, but through their consistent practice of wisdom. True leadership goes beyond possessing information; it’s about inspiring, guiding, and shaping others through wise decisions and actions rooted in integrity, vision, and effectiveness. Wisdom becomes the bridge between knowledge and meaningful impact.
Scripture urges us, “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7 NIV). The following habits and practices are foundational for those who aspire to lead with excellence and godly wisdom.
1. Seek the Lord Continually
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1 KJV). The foundation of leadership is a constant pursuit of God’s guidance.
2. Rely Upon the Spirit’s Empowerment
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6 NIV). True leadership flows from dependence on the Holy Spirit.
3. Practice the Presence of God
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). Cultivating awareness of God’s presence brings clarity and peace.
4. Pray with Expectation
“The desire of the righteous shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24 NKJV). Expectant prayer aligns our hearts with God’s promises.
5. Know the Word—Grow in the Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ESV). Scripture is the guide for wise leadership.
6. Be Intentional—Plan Well
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV). Leaders thrive when they plan with purpose and submit to God.
7. Practice Vision: Look Up and Look Forward
Great leaders see beyond the present. Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35 NKJV). See things not just as they are, but as they can be.
8. Proclaim the Vision Often
Vision leaks over time. Recasting and reaffirming the mission ensures alignment and momentum. Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) says, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”
9. Hold to an Unswerving Sense of Mission
Stay steadfast in your calling. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
10. Be Passionate About Ministry and Calling
Romans 12:11 (NIV) encourages us, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Passion fuels perseverance.
11. Build Trust with Others
Trust is the currency of leadership. Demonstrate integrity and display unwavering character, as Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) reminds us, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
12. Show Faithfulness—Expect Fruitfulness
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV). Faithfulness leads to fruitfulness.
13. Equip and Release Others in Ministry
Leaders multiply themselves by empowering others. Ephesians 4:12 (NIV) states, “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
14. Train and Resource Your Team Well
Invest in others as Paul did with Timothy: “The things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).
15. Cultivate Your Strengths
Paul urged Timothy, “Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6 NIV). Lean into your God-given talents.
16. Staff Your Weaknesses
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV) says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Build teams that complement your gaps.
17. Remain a Life-Long Learner
Proverbs 1:5 (NIV) reminds us, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” Growth is a continuous journey.
18. Cultivate Creativity in Yourself and Others
“See, I have chosen Bezalel… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:2-3 NIV). Creativity is a divine gift.
19. Embrace a High Standard of Loyalty
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV). Loyalty builds lasting relationships.
20. Uphold the Confidence of Others
Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) states, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Protect the trust placed in you.
21. Take Responsibility for Your Actions
“Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12 NIV). Accountability is essential in leadership.
22. Surround Yourself with People of Hope
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) teaches, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” Hope-filled companions inspire resilience.
23. Associate with Great People
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV). Surround yourself with those who inspire and challenge you.
24. Influence Others Continually
“Let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Consistent influence shapes lives and communities.
25. Look for the Best in Others
“Love… always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV). Believe in the potential of those around you.
26. Refuse to Become Cynical
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21 NIV). Guard against bitterness.
27. Prioritize People Over Things
“For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV).
28. Put Your Family Before Your Ministry
“He must manage his own family well…” (1 Timothy 3:4 NIV). Family is the first ministry.
29. Express Gratitude and Show Appreciation
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). Gratitude fosters a healthy leadership culture.
30. Commit to Pursuing Excellence in All Things
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) advises, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Excellence honors God.
31. Guard Your Heart
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). Protect your inner life with vigilance.
32. Watch Your Mouth—Speak Words in Harmony with God’s Word
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6 NIV). Our words have power to build or break.
33. Live with Faith
“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV). “We never test the resources of God until we attempt the impossible” (F.B. Meyer).
34. Steward Resources and Lives Wisely and Well
“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV).
35. Work Hard—Then Rest Well
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV). Balance diligence with meaningful rest.
36. Relentlessly Pursue Relationships Beyond the Walls of Your Office
Jesus was among the people, connecting with hearts. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV).
37. Celebrate Continually (Often and Always)
“Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT).
Wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right things—it’s about living them out daily. As we incorporate these principles into our leadership, we reflect the heart of Christ and lead others toward lasting impact and transformation.