A leader’s character is under constant scrutiny. Read Matthew 22:15-46.

Jesus’ words concerning the religious leader’s lack of character triggered their anger and they determined to embarrass Him publicly. The two most powerful religious groups, the Pharisees and Sadducees, sent representatives to ask Jesus difficult questions about Judaism, hoping to show the people that Jesus was not a prophet but a fake who should not be trusted and should, in fact, be killed for violations to the faith. These leaders tried to trap Jesus concerning payment of taxes, His beliefs concerning heaven and the resurrection of the dead, and His beliefs concerning the commandments and the laws of Moses. In their society, wrong answers to these questions could bring a death sentence.

Last week we finished six weeks of leadership principles in the book of Psalms. This week we start examining leadership principles in the book of Proverbs. Whereas the Psalms look at leadership from the view of relationship and emotions, the Proverbs display principles, values and the intellect of a leader. Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

The book of Proverbs was written primarily by King Solomon of Israel. Solomon was the son of David and ruled in Israel for 40 years. Most of the sayings in the Proverbs were drafted about 950 years before Jesus was born.

Whether stated or not, your team members have the question “Why should I follow you?” Leaders go on display before they ever get the chance to display their vision. Once followers gain confidence in the leader, there is a much better chance they will feel confident about the vision. Read Judges 6:1 – 8:35.

Gideon had seven qualities that attracted people to him as a leader: