Mensa Otabil - Wisdom Rules
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We are talking about wisdom and focusing on Proverbs chapter 8. Today, we read verses 14 to 16. It says, «Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength. By me, kings rule and rulers decree justice. By me, princes rule and nobles, and all the judges of the earth.» Wisdom rules, and it is quite clear from this passage that wisdom plays a very significant role in rulership, leadership, governance, and in anything that brings us into influence with other people. If we’re going to influence people, we have to be men and women of wisdom.
Wisdom states that by me, kings rule. Wisdom makes us leaders, and how does that happen? Because wisdom helps us do our work; it is related to problem-solving. When we solve problems, people gain confidence in us, they trust us, and they give us more opportunities to guide and lead. Wisdom helps us in our work; it helps us to rise in leadership. A person who is wise will always shine among the Lord, and wisdom helps us to lead others. The reason wisdom can do that is that it encompasses five attributes.
First, wisdom has counsel. Wisdom is the ability to hear and discern good advice because everyone who influences others in any form of leadership will encounter many opinions. How do you determine which of those opinions is the right one? That is where wisdom comes in. Wisdom possesses counsel; it is able to discern. That is what Solomon had to do to determine which of the two women was the mother of a dead child. That is counsel; that is wisdom, helping us to discern the right way from the wrong way.
Secondly, wisdom says it has sound wisdom, and the word «sound» means that it is not perverted. It is not crooked wisdom; it is not trying to manipulate people or control them to have your own way. The kind of leadership wisdom we are discussing is not one that is perverted, that controls people while pretending to serve them. That is perverted. Wisdom is not perverted.Wisdom also states it has understanding-the ability to know the why and the how of life. Anyone who can explain the why and how of any situation will be made a leader. If people are confused and looking for a way out, and someone comes and explains this way and that way, and presents an explanation that makes sense, they will implement it and see good results. Naturally, they will make that person a leader or confer a level of importance to them. That is how wisdom helps us to rule.
Because wisdom possesses understanding, it also states that wisdom has strength-the ability to get things done. When we operate in wisdom, we get things done. We don’t just talk about things; we take action. That’s why you can see a person’s wisdom through their actions. Wisdom manifests in our actions-the strength, the ability to accomplish tasks.
Finally, wisdom states it also has justice. Wisdom does what is right at all times. Wisdom is fair; it shows equity. When you have all of these qualities in your life-counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, strength, and justice-then you will be made a leader. People will look up to you, trust you, and believe in your choices because you have shown through wisdom that what you do comes with good counsel; it is sound, it has understanding, it has strength, and it offers justice.
May the Lord help each one of us, whether as parents, teachers in the classroom, older brothers, older sisters, or class prefects. Wherever we are in leadership, may God help us to be men and women who exhibit wisdom. Let us pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, make me a wise leader. Help me to treat those I lead with honor and fairness. In Jesus' name, Amen and Amen.» May the Lord raise you up to be a person of influence. I am Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.