Proclaimer Blog
The leader and words
I preached on Ecclesiastes 7 last night – a hard passage to prepare. One thing particularly struck me in my preparation. Wise and godly Christians react well to words:
- "It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools" (Ecc 7.6). It might seem nice, everyone praising you, but careful and appropriate rebuke needs to be heard too.
- "Do not pay attention to every word people say or you may hear your servant cursing you – for you know in your heart that many times you have cursed others" (Ecc 7.21-22).
These are not contradictory. Rather, in a good leader especially, there is both the ability to hear and act upon an appropriate rebuke AND the ability to let certain "harsh words" pass you by.
I'm guessing most leaders have a predisposition to prefer one of these. I know plenty of leaders who need to spend a bit more time listening to other's rebukes. And I know plenty of others who need to stop paying attention to every harsh word.
I know myself….
Mr Preacher, leading a congregation of God's people: this is worth reflecting on today. Which is your weakness and what is your prayerful petition to be changed?