It is a leader’s internal qualities that drive their skills effectively and consistently. Read Proverbs 22:4.

Some leaders look for a scheme, a product, an activity or some other external element to bring them wealth and honor. But, according to Proverbs 22:4, the wise leader focuses on internal traits and attitudes such as “humility and the fear of the Lord” as key ingredients of success, achieving “wealth and honor and life.”

Some leadership skills are easy to learn, but the belief systems that govern the use of skills is deeply internalized and requires determination and consistent effort to change. Read Proverbs 9:7-9.

In these Proverbs King Solomon contrasted the difference between helping a mocker (or fool) and a wise man to learn. One major difference is the fool is characterized by an unwillingness to address character issues. They will not deal with the values and habits that lead to their destructive behavior. They haven’t accepted the simple truth that actions are controlled by core beliefs.

Wisdom and values serve as a leaders safeguard against disaster. Often, wisdom and values develop through a process called double-loop learning. Read Proverbs 2:9-15.

It is an interesting thought that “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you…” (vv. 11-12a). Normally discretion, understanding and wisdom are not first on our list when we think of offensive weapons or items used for defense and protection. They are not found on the short list of skills or disciplines that we use to protect, guard or save ourselves; yet Proverbs identifies them as the primary elements.