The book of Proverbs in the Bible is a collection of wisdom sayings. The first nine chapters define wisdom and personify wisdom. Through the prologue we begin to understand the nature of wisdom and the need for true wisdom. In chapters 10-31 we find the actual proverbial sayings. Most of them are in the form of couplets. Most of the book is believed to have been written by King Solomon. The sayings cover a variety of topics, including leadership. Here are some of those proverbs related directly to the topic of leadership. Many of these are distinguished through the title of “king.”
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 14:28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
Proverbs 20:18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
Proverbs 20:28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
Proverbs 25:4-5 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Proverbs 29:4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts heavy taxes tears it down.
Proverbs 29:14 If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.
Proverbs 30:21-22 Under three things the earth trembles; under four it cannot bear up: a slave when he becomes a king, and a fool when he is filled with food . . .
These words of wisdom can provide us with knowledge and guidance in how to lead. The writer of the Proverbs provides us with the source of wisdom and the value of wisdom in 2:6-7, For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.