Today’s reading is drawn from Proverbs 22:4.
Perks and privileges usually accompany successful leadership. Many leaders enjoy being in charge, making decisions that affect the organization, delegating implementation of those decisions to others, occupying a corner office, “running the show,” having others defer to them in meetings, and the like. As one gets ahead, it’s hard not to get a big head.
As a leader, King Solomon enjoyed all these perks and much more. Like few leaders before or since, he had wealth, power, wisdom and plenty of servants. Other rulers traveled long distances to listen to his wisdom, and other entrepreneurs came to marvel at his wealth. Yet from this lofty position Solomon cautioned, “humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
Wages accompany a job well done. If a leader is effective, they will be compensated with wages in the form of money or other perks. But a person who is humble gains greater wages. Which will you choose? |
