Leadership, a pig's snout, & refreshment??!

We are flying through the final half of chapter 11 this morning! There are plenty of jewels in these verses, but this morning I’m going to focus on three, which are completely unrelated. The first one is a verse that I believe Dr. Ben Carson quoted when he was the keynote speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this month.

For lack of guidance a nation falls,

    but many advisers make victory sure. (Proverbs 11:14)

There seems to be such a dearth of leadership in the world today! Where are the leaders with vision who can inspire a nation? It seems like for the past several presidential and gubernatorial elections the voters have been given choices among the least of evils. As politics becomes increasingly partisan and divisive, there are few who seems prepared to actually lead this country or our states with the necessary moral conviction that is so needed!

This Bible verse tells us that a vacuum of good leadership will ensure the fall of a nation. Rather than shrug our shoulders and say, “We’re going to hell in a handbasket,” what should be the response of Christian’s? We need to be on our knees for this country and to be praying for righteous leaders who will submit to God’s authority. We need to pray that our leaders will surround themselves with godly advisers, who can help guide this country and hold our leaders accountable. We know that we are just traveling through this place, and it is not permanent, but God has given us our government that we might live in peace as we serve Him. In your prayer time, don’t forget our leaders!

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

    is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. (v. 22)

Now there’s a verse you can sink your teeth into! No matter how you dress her up, a woman who is indiscrete, who gossips and indiscriminately spreads confidential information, is no prettier than a pig! She can’t hide her lack of character by adding more makeup or Botox! The latest hairdo and the perkiest body isn’t going to cover up what we are inside! We all know this, but I do like the way Solomon puts it! 

A generous man will prosper;

    he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (vs.25)

Finally, this morning, as opposed to weak leaders and pig-like women, the generous man (or woman) stands out as a breath of fresh air! He is the one who puts others ahead of himself. She is the perfect hostess - the one who makes sure everyone else’s needs are taken care of before she allows herself to sit down. He is mindful of those around him and sensitive to their feelings and their circumstances. He knows how to encourage and lift up others. This man (or woman) will surely be refreshed himself. I’m so blessed to know many like this. These are the ones you love to be with - the ones you want to invite over. The ones who truly would give you the shirt off their backs. These people can’t out give God. He just pours more blessing on them as they continue to let it flow through them. Thank you, God, for such people!!