The wise leader will learn from everything in their environment. Read Proverbs 6:6-8.

Every leader has the potential to learn principals of leadership by simply studying the organization and activity of an ant colony. Nature abounds with illustrations of animals and insects that store up provisions during times of abundance in preparation for times of scarcity. God gave them instincts to look ahead and prepare. In today’s verses the ants do what needs to be done when it needs to be done to make provision for the future.

Making good decisions has special requirements for a Christian leader. Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

For the Christian leader making good decisions includes elements beyond accurately analyzing and processing information and temporary success or failure. To bear the name Christian along with the title leader they must also consider fairness, honesty, and morality as part of each decision. The book of Proverbs isn’t a decision-making textbook, but it was inspired by God and written by King Solomon of Israel, a leader who over the centuries has become known as the wisest man to have ever lived.

Often a leader’s success can be created by simply doing what no one else is willing to do. Read Proverbs 31:10-31.

In many situations people know what to do but are too tired or afraid or apathetic to act. That’s when a self-disciplined leader who is equally tired, equally afraid steps forward and does what needs to be done. A person with self-discipline will provide leadership when others simply refuse to act.

An individual takes on responsibilities beyond themselves once they assume a leadership role. Read Proverbs 31:4-5.

In a free country it seems leaders’ lifestyle decisions should be theirs and theirs alone. Yet, according to Proverbs 31:4-5 the leader has responsibilities that are too important to undermine with a foolish lifestyle.

A leader has tremendous influence over their team. Read Proverbs 29:2-18.

In day two we looked at how leaders’ decisions can cause their team to thrive or groan under their leadership. Today we take a deeper look at the same issue based on notes in The Maxwell Leader Bible: