Even for good leaders, change can be difficult and even disruptive. Read Proverbs 14:8.

In one way or another, every leader has an aversion to change especially if things appear to be going reasonably well and according to short-term and long-range plans. Yet we serve a God that is committed to nothing less than an entirely new order in His creation. Revelation 21:5 says, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Living in a world directed by the hand of God the effective leader needs to anticipate change and even embrace it. The goal isn’t to stop change but to determine how to lead in an environment where change is a given.

Last week we finished six weeks of leadership principles in the book of Psalms. This week we start examining leadership principles in the book of Proverbs. Whereas the Psalms look at leadership from the view of relationship and emotions, the Proverbs display principles, values and the intellect of a leader. Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

The book of Proverbs was written primarily by King Solomon of Israel. Solomon was the son of David and ruled in Israel for 40 years. Most of the sayings in the Proverbs were drafted about 950 years before Jesus was born.

Christian leaders must filter the counsel of their inner circle through the truth of God’s word. Read Job 24:25.

Job’s loss of family and possessions had him at a very vulnerable time in his life. Job’s friends believed he must have behaved treacherously to have met with such tragedy. At a time when Job most needed the love and encouragement of his friends, he received only their condemnation.

Christian leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but they should use great care if they plan to demand an answer. God doesn’t mind the questions; it’s the doubt He hates. Read Job 13:20-14:22.

Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar each traveled long distances to be with him at a time when he had lost his possessions to thieves and all his children to a freak storm. They had displayed great respect by sitting with Job for a week without speaking but when Job questioned why his life was being torn apart his friends did not display the same kindness they had during the first week. In each cycle of conversation between themselves and Job, they had accused Job of incurring God’s wrath because he had done some secret evil. They spoke the same kind of foolish words the ill-informed often speak to a leader whose life has been turned upside down by circumstance.

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” Job 13:15a. There is no way of stopping a leader with this kind of commitment.

Job’s statement must have confounded his tormentor Satan. Though Job had no clue as to what God was doing, he still maintained his commitment and hope in Him. There is nothing that can stop this kind of leader. Not setbacks! Not pain! Not hardships! Not even death!