Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Proverbs 29 emphasizes the pivotal role of wise and righteous leadership in our communities, families, and society. And in case you are wondering, this chapter is not just for Christian politicians and other community leaders! We, too, are leaders. Every Christ-follower is. Upon salvation and baptism, we say to those around us, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." 

Take a moment to think about the people you influence every day. Who is impacted by your life decisions? Who listens, watches, and imitates your tone, words, and actions? Leading others is a tremendous responsibility that requires a clear vision (v.18) and trust in God (v. 25).

Verse 18 describes the importance of vision, warning those without it will perish! In this context, "vision" refers to "divine revelation" communicated through the Living Word of God, His Spirit, and wise counsel. This concept is evident throughout the Old Testament. When the kings upheld God's Word, positive outcomes often resulted for the nation of Israel (protection, deliverance, prosperity, large-scale change). When they failed to do so, significant negative consequences, such as divine judgment, defeat in battle, and exile, followed. 

Similarly, when Christians neglect God's Word or redefine God's truth, they drift, and so do those around them. This is because God's Word gives our lives boundaries, meaning, and purpose. Confusion, complacency, and even rebellion follow without clearly understanding who He is and how we are to respond. We see this in our world; it's equally valid in our families. 

As Christ's followers, our vision centers on Jesus, the Word made flesh. We cannot lead others to know, love, and follow Jesus if we do not know, love, and follow Him ourselves. However, when our hearts and minds are shaped by God's Word and when we live as Christ, we flourish, and those we lead also flourish. 

The second part of verse 18 describes how this kind of obedience anchors us and those around us. But obedience requires trust! It always precedes it, in our relationship with the Lord and one another. 

Wise leaders understand what is righteous in God's eyes, and they do it even when it costs them because they trust God. We see the connection between trust and obedience in the lives of Abraham, Noah, David, Daniel, and Joseph. We also see it in Esther, Rahab, and Mary. Think about all God accomplished through these ordinary, imperfect people! Look at how their trust and obedience changed the course of history for the people of their time. 

As leaders in our families, jobs, and communities, Christ-followers must trust God more than we desire the approval or fear the opinions of others. This is the essence of verse 25. We cannot lead well with a double mind. Double-mindedness blurs the vision! Leading others well is difficult when we're preoccupied with what others think. True freedom and wise leadership come when we trust God more than we fear others. Trusting in Him gives us the strength to do what's wise, even when it's hard.

Is your life guided by a clear vision rooted in God's Word and Jesus's character? Do your heart and daily choices align with this vision? Do your decisions at home, work, or school demonstrate the desire to please God or appease others? 

Righteous, wise leadership in the home, church, and community brings peace. As Christ-followers, we are called to be disciplined, consistent, and just. We are to be people of integrity, influencing those around us with grace, truth, and hope!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word and Your Son. Help me see your purpose in my everyday life. Please give me the courage to lead well, trusting you completely. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.