Characteristics of Leadership (Part 1)

 Proverbs 30:29-31

In this lesson we will look at characteristics of leadership. These characteristics will be revealed to us by looking at three animals and one king. One of the things that is missing from our society today is leadership. For many today, leadership is only about power and popularity. Very few leaders today are willing to be accountable for their mistakes. Most just cover them up or simply blame someone else. Where are the leaders of yesterday and why can we not seem to produce them today?

Leadership is needed in all aspects of our life. It is needed in our homes, churches, jobs, and society in general. We must be willing to look at leadership as more than just being in charge of something, it is leading people to destination that we would want them to go.

In the passage for this lesson, we will see four things that are said to be comely in going. We will first define the word comely and then we will use the four things mentioned to show some important characteristics of leadership.

Proverbs 30:29 “There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:”

What does it mean to go well or be comely in going? The word comely can mean graceful, suitable, decent, proper, becoming, sited to time, place, circumstances or persons. (Does that describe any of our leaders today?)

In the verses that follow four things were chosen to show us examples of being comely in going. The Lion, Greyhound, He Goat, and a King against whom there is no rising up. In each of these we will see some characteristics of leadership.

1)  The Lion (verse 31)

• The verse says that the lion is the strongest among beast and does not turn away for any.
• A leader must be strong and courageous. And as we see in the word of God our strength will come from being in constant fellowship with the Lord (Ephesians 6:10).
• Notice it also says “turneth not away for any”. In leadership many times you will have to stand against opposition and not turn away. Once again you must trust God and his word to make the right decision and not be swayed by man.
• Remember, it is the fear of man that bringeth a snare (Proverbs 29:25).

2)  The greyhound (verse 31)

• When we think of the greyhound, we think of the racing dogs. In this aspect of leadership, we will look at endurance.
• In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we see Paul speaking of the saved person running a race. Paul’s goal was to finish the race in 1^st place and not be a cast away. This was to be done by bringing his body in subjection and enduring whatever came his way.
• Below are some things we will have to endure: (These are just a few)

1. 1. Tribulations (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
   2. Afflictions (James 4:5)
   3. Hardships (2 Timothy 2:3)
   4. Persecutions (2 Timothy 3:12)

3)  He Goat (verse 31)

• We see two things in the he goat that speaks of leadership. One his place upon the mountain. Goats that live in the mountainous regions are usually exceptionally good climbers.
• Leaders need to be able to climb above the situations and be a lookout or a guard for those over which they are leading.
• The he goat batters down those that would oppose him.
• Leaders will always have opposition. Sometimes they must be willing to go head-to-head to protect those they are leading. This character trait is seen in Paul multiple times in the New Testament.

4)  A King (verse 31)

• As noted earlier, the verse says against whom is no rising up.
• This could be looked at in two ways. First, the King could stop any uprising or second, he leads in a manner so that the ones who follow him would not want to rise up against him. I believe the latter is probably what is meant.
• With the latter in mind remember that attitude reflects leadership many times and how you lead will make the difference. Note the following quote:

We should strive to have these characteristics in us, so that the Lord could use us in leadership if he so chooses.