30 Bible Verses About Leadership

Bible verses about leadership tells us that a leader should be loving, strong, humble, don’t be arrogant and just. A leader should have knowledge and experience of doing leadership. There are many personalities who did leadership according to God’s orders. Including them are Moses, Joseph, Joshua, David, Solomon, Paul, Esther, Noah and Elijah.

Good Leader’s Qualities

Verse#1

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 29:2

Explanation

In this verse, Solomon says that if the ruler of a country is good and virtuous, then people will be happy. People like a ruler who is just and merciful. On the contrary, if the ruler of a country is cruel and unjust, then people get sad. People don’t like this kind of ruler.

Verse#2

But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Exodus 18:21

Explanation

This verse is the advice of Moses‘ father-in-law, Jethro. In this verse, Jethro admonishes Moses and says that he should not handle all the affairs of the government by himself, but he should look at the big affairs and choose someone else for the small affairs, who is not greedy, but just. Elect him so that the tasks of your government are shared and managed well.

Verse#3

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Micah 6:8

Explanation

In this verse, it is stated that according to God, governance is not only about giving orders to people, but also about acting with justice and fairness and showing mercy to people. Along with this, people’s affairs have to be looked at. This verse tells us to choose a ruler who is merciful, just, loving and helpful to the poor.

Verse#4

He told them, Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

2 Chronicles 19:6

Explanation

Jehoshaphat was a king. He advised the judges and said that a ruler’s job is not only to judge for the people. Rather, in reality, the ruler is the one who makes people’s decisions for the sake of God. It means that he acts with justice and mercy and what is wrong he calls wrong and what is true, he calls it true. He has the fear of God in his heart. When he makes a decision, he is afraid that his wrong decision will ruin him.

Verse#5

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 78:72

Explanation

This verse tells us about the guidance of David. He guided and led the people with the skill of his hands. David laid down his life and was committed to the welfare of the people with all his heart and soul.

Verse#6

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Timothy 3:2-3

Explanation

This verse was Paul‘s advice to Timothy. Paul says that a ruler should not be greedy and selfish, but should be honest and helpful to others. If a person is capable of leading people, then he should take over the rule.

Verse#7

Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Titus 1:7-9

Explanation

This verse is a message of Paul to Titus. According to this verse Paul is saying that if a person is going to choose as a leader then he should be a person who can do justice, don’t have anger issues, be merciful and the one who can control himself. A person who can advise others and stand in front of wrongones is a true leader.

Verse#8

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Peter 5:2-3

Explanation

In this verse, Paul is admonishing the elders who guarded God’s treasure. Paul says that it is their responsibility from God to protect God’s treasure, it does not mean that they start asserting their rights or that they protect it because of their own impure intentions. They have no right over this property, they are protecting it only for the sake of God as a service in the way of God.

Verse#9

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Philippians 2:3-4

Explanation

This was Paul‘s advice to the leaders of the church. Paul says that a ruler should not only look at his own benefit, but he should take care of the benefit of the people. He should not have personal interest in any of his decisions, but should consider the welfare of all the people.

Verse#10

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 20:26

Explanation

This verse was Jesus‘ advice to his disciples. In this verse, Jesus says that the person who wants to serve others should become a ruler. The ruler does not mean that he will give orders, but the real ruler is the one who will listen to others and serve them.

Good Leader’s Responsibilities

Verse#11

Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Deuteronomy 1:13

Explanation

This was said by Moses when the ruler was to be chosen according to each tribe. Musa said that every tribe should find a wise and experienced person from their tribe and that person should be made the ruler of that tribe. Because in order to become a ruler, that person must be wise, have experience, be merciful, be just and listen to people.

Verse#12

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 1:17

Explanation

In this verse, Isaiah says that God commands us to always do justice and do good to others. We must help all the oppressed and stand up for the rights of the orphan. The orphan has no one, so it is very important to do good to him. In addition, in this verse, we are commanded to fight for the rights of widows and stand up for their rights.

Verse#13

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 11:14

Explanation

In this verse, Solomon says that advice is very important. A good leader should act with advice. Wisdom is hidden in it, and with advice, a person can make wise decisions.

Verse#14

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Ezekiel 34:2

Explanation

In this verse, God gives a message to the Israelite leaders and says that they give importance to their personal interests in governing but they should strive for the good of the people. The example of this is given in this verse of a shepherd.

Verse#15

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

Moses

God chose Moses as leader of Israelites to save them from Pharaoh oppression and freed them from Egypt.

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10)

Joshua

After Moses Joshua led israelites.

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” (Joshua 1:1-2)

David

Samuel anointed David as a second King of Israelites after Saul. He became a pious, humble and brave leader.

“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:13)

Solomon

After David his son Solomon became the leader and he did kingship with great wisdom. He was very famous due to his wisdom.

“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (1 Kings 3:9-12)

Nehemiah

Nehemiah led people to gather them at a point and construct the wall of jerusalem. He did his service in gathering people and put the love of God.

“Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

Deborah

Deborah was a female leader who led Israelites and due to her wisdom they got victory.

“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.” (Judges 4:4-5)

Samuel

Samuel was a Judge and he do justice among people. He chose Israelits’ King David after Saul.

“Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places. But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel. And he built an altar there to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 7:15-17)

Paul

Paul led the people after Jesus and by his efforts christianity spread all around the world.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Esther

Esther was Jewish queen who bravely save jews from oppression.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:14-16)

Joseph

Joseph was the prime minister of egypt. By his efforts and intelligence he saved the Egyptians from severe famine.

“So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.” (Genesis 41:41-44)

Frequently Asked Questions

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13)

Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. (Psalm 72:1-2)

Moses, Joseph, Joshua, David, Solomon, Paul, Esther, Noah and Elijah.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

Conclusion

These Bible verses advise us that we should rule with great care. If we are able to rule, we have experience and knowledge, then only we can become rulers. The real purpose of ruling is not to impose our own orders, but to serve the people and to become slaves for the benefit of the people. Those who rule will have a greater account in the hereafter. In addition, these verses tell us that if we rule, we should make decisions with justice, love, courage and without greed. We should have mercy on the poor, widows, the needy and stand up for their rights.