What Can We Learn From Animals
Characteristics of Leadership (Proverbs 30:29-31)
Here we continue our series on what can we learn from the animals. As shown in the introduction God many times in the scriptures uses animals to show us things about people. In this lesson we are going to be discussing some characteristics of leadership and this will be shown to us by looking at three animals and one king. As we look at the present day many times we ask ourselves what happened to leadership. Today leadership is becoming all about power and popularity with very few leaders willing to be accountable for their mistakes. Most just cover them up or simply blame someone else. Where are the men that framed this country and gave birth to this great nation?
But then as saved people we have to ask the same questions. Where are the leaders that preached and taught the truth without compromise so many years ago? Either way you look at it we are in great need of leadership today. Let us look at this Proverb and the animals mentioned in it and see some characteristics of leadership, then look with in and ask ourselves do I have these characteristics.
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 we see four things were chosen to show this. 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. It is important to note that the three animal are followed by a King against whom there is no rising up, which clearly points to leadership.
1) The Lion (verse 31)
- The verse says that the lion is the strongest among beast and turneth not 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 a 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 1st place and not be a cast away. This was to be done by bringing his body in subjection and enduring whatever came his way.
- Some things we will have to endure : (These are just a few)
- Tribulations (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
- Afflictions (James 4:5)
- Hardships (2 Timothy 2:3)
- 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 very 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.
- Note also the he goat batters down those that would oppose him.
- As a leader there will always be those who oppose us. But we must be will to go head to head sometimes in order to protect the ones that we are leading. This character trait is seen in Paul many 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 two ways, one he could stop any uprising or two that he leads in a manner in which the ones that 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 the way in which you lead can simply make the difference.
“Gentleness is knowing how much strength to use” Dennis Corle, Spiritual Leadership Vol 1
With these thoughts in our minds we should strive to have these characteristics in us so that if the Lord would one day put us in leadership then we would be a good leader and not just someone who shouts orders and hopes people listen.
What Can We Learn From Animals
Characteristics of Leadership (Proverbs 30:29-31) : Handout
1) What are the animals listed in the Proverbs for this study?
2) What are some of the characteristics that you can think of regarding these animals?
3) How is leadership connected with these animals in the Proverb?
4) What can we learn from these animals in regards to leadership?