Being an effective leader requires careful thought that leads to wisdom. Read Haggai 2:10-19.

The Hebrews that returned from exile in Babylon with the mission to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem were struggling in their day-to-day life to have success with their crops. Three times in today’s Scripture Haggai recommends the leaders give careful thought to their situation. When they stopped construction on the temple and focused on their own needs they were lacking in both food and wine. When they stopped giving careful thought to God’s priorities they forfeited the wisdom they needed to find God’s blessing.

Even the leader at the top of an organization has a place to look for guidance. Read Lamentations 3:22-26.

As Jeremiah evaluated everything that had happened to Judah and Jerusalem during the Babylonian invasion he came to the conclusion that God was still on His throne, still leading and still providing for the nation even in these dark moments.

Two elements required to be an outstanding leader are knowledge and understanding. Read Jeremiah 3:15.

In Jeremiah chapter 3, the first 14 verses describe a situation where leaders in Israel, the Northern kingdom, had prostituted themselves to false gods and led the people to do the same. Jeremiah calls Judah, the Southern kingdom, an unfaithful sister who followed Israel’s lead. In verse 15 Jeremiah prophecies of a time when God will send leaders to a united Israel who had His own heart.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” Proverbs 9:10.

A text note in Zondervan’s Leadership Bible states, “Leaders are effective to the extent they can gather, interpret, understand and apply good information. The processes cannot function fully when God’s power and sovereignty are not given appropriate respect. This verse tells us that nothing has higher priority for understanding reality and acting on it than standing in awe of Almighty God.”

If leadership is influence, then people have a natural form of leadership that can be seen almost from birth. Read Genesis 25:26-32:32.

Jacob wielded great influence from the very beginning. He turned Isaac’s household upside down. In Genesis 25 his mother Rebekah, having a difficult pregnancy, inquired of God and found out that the older son, Esau, would serve the younger son Jacob. Now in this culture, that news will stir things up. Later, when seeking a bride, Jacob’s presence and influence turned his uncle Laban’s household upside down.