In alliances, do you consider the value systems of your partner? (136-2)

Knowledgeable leaders select their outside alliances carefully, understanding their own character and subsequent actions are shaped by these relationships. Read Proverbs 13:20.

Solomon wrote the Proverbs often restating the same principle in slightly different ways to make sure his readers got the point. For example, the following Proverbs in conjunction with Proverbs 13:20 make his point very clear:

• Proverbs 12:26 (NKJ) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully. For the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
• Proverbs 25:4-5 (tlb) says, “When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith. When you remove corrupt men from the king’s court, his reign will be just and fair.”
• Proverbs 27:19 (tlb) says, “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.”

My mom, who had a thousand one-line sayings, restated it yet another way when I was growing up. She often told me (and my brothers) that “bad company spoils good character.” She was stating a life principle that those we hang around with will shape us as much as we shape them. Leaders become like those with whom they partner.

As you make alliances and choose relationships do you consider the value systems of those you partner with or simply look at how they can help your organization? When alliances are selected on life values along with necessary goods and services, both leaders and organizations should see improvement for having entered into a partnership.