Words of Wisdom on Good and Righteous Behavior for Leaders

We are seeing a growing number of leaders, managers, and many others who don't seem to be able to clearly distinguish between what is good, bad, or foolish behavior. The following are selected verses and words of wisdom from the Bible on good leadership, righteous behavior, 'best practices', and 'lessons learned' from across the past several millennium. Take a few minutes to read the following – it may change your life and the lives of many others around you for the better.

Romans 12:9-16    Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.    Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Biblical Guidance on Being 'Good'

• 1 Timothy 6:11.  You, man of God, flee from all this [love of money], and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
• Galatians 5:22-23.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
• Colossians 3:12.  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13-18. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances
• Titus 3:1-2.  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
• 2 Peter 1:5-7.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Words Describing 'Good' Traits or Behavior

Righteous Love Endurance Patience Faithfulness     Compassion Thankful

Godliness Gentleness Joyful Prayerful Self-Control     Kind Helpful

Encouraging     Considerate Peaceful Humble Obedient Trusting Caring

If you find yourself in a position of leadership, take heed and try to embody the traits above.