King Solomon knew what it meant to be a king and leader, and he understood the work of a public servant. In today’s reading he wrote thirty important lessons for servant leaders.

“Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?” Proverbs 22:20-21

Solomon was all too aware of how leaders deceive themselves into thinking they are right when they are wrong. So he created a checklist to help them stay on course. He wanted them to be honest with themselves as well as their constituency, “so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve.”

Here are some categories of the wise sayings of Solomon for leaders.

Justice For the Poor

God is on the side of the poor and he pays special attention to their needs for justice.

“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.” Proverbs 22:22-23

“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” Proverbs 23:10-11

“Rescue those who are being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” Proverbs 24:11-12

Prosperous, comfortable people rarely give thought to the plight of the poor. We don’t notice that there are people who are crushed by injustice, have their rights taken away, or are even led away to death. We say, “but we knew nothing about this.”

Solomon replies that God sees our hearts and perceives whether we choose to be ignorant about what goes on around us. Have we simply closed our eyes to injustice? God doesn’t accept that kind of behavior and he will call us to account for it someday.

“Does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?. . . Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” Proverbs 24:12

Avoid Bad Influences

Solomon wanted his people to choose their friends carefully.

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” Proverbs 22:24-25

“Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. ‘Eat, drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” Proverbs 23:6-7

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” Proverbs 23:17

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21

“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.” Proverbs 24:1

“Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” Proverbs 23:9

Notice here that Solomon doesn’t call upon people to judge or reform each other. He suggests that we identify people who are bad influences and stay away from them. If we are concerned about the direction of someone else’s life, we need their permission to speak to them about it. Otherwise, our job is to take care of our own hearts and avoid sin.

The best way to do that is to spend time with wise friends.

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12

The Temptation of Riches

Solomon was the richest man in the ancient world so he was an authority on acquiring wealth. He enjoyed his riches, but he didn’t consider them worth giving up everything else to have.

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:5

“When you sit down to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.” Proverbs 23:1-3

The pleasures of riches are fleeting. It’s better to invest time and effort into more lasting things, like wisdom.

“Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” Proverbs 23:23

Keep Your Wits About You

Celebration is part of life and Solomon certainly enjoyed feasting with his people. But he warned against going to excess with eating and drinking.

“Do not join with those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?’” Proverbs 23:29-35

Solomon’s words describe up the experience of addiction. This could be the testimony of a member of AA today. How much better to avoid too much drink to begin with, and to find friends who support that decision.

Pursue Wisdom

We have the choice everyday to build our lives on the shifting sand of temporary pleasures, or the solid rock of godly wisdom. Wisdom from God is the rock that will endure. Sometimes it means saying “no” to some things, and “no” to certain people, but if what we want is long-term satisfaction and success, we will pursue wisdom.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.” Proverbs 24:3-4