We live in complex times that make ministry increasingly difficult.

Pastors have always worn myriad hats, such as shepherd, teacher, counselor, and fundraiser. Yet ministry today calls for an expanding range of skills, and the pressure to perform is high.

Cultural tension and division only add to the demands.

Meanwhile, the needs of congregants are unrelenting — as is the mental health strain on church leaders.

With stress high and issues of eternal importance at stake, church leaders desperately need wisdom.

But what is wisdom? One Hebrew word for “wisdom” in the Bible is hochma. It often refers to some kind of skill or ability. In Exodus 28:3, for example, certain “skilled workers” had God-given “wisdom” to create priestly garments for Aaron.

During creation, God had the understanding and wisdom to form the universe, ordering it in accordance with His design (Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:12).

We might say, then, that wisdom is the skill of building our lives according to God’s design. Wisdom isn’t just the knowledge of God’s design, but the understanding and application of it.

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about godly wisdom. Ministers should draw regularly from its deep wells for both principles and practice.

Wise Principles

Wisdom isn’t just the knowledge of God’s design, but the understanding and application of it.

The principles of wise leadership are foundational to leading well. Those principles include the starting point of wisdom: “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10).

Additionally, the wise sayings of Proverbs provide an instruction manual for lifelong wisdom.

Principles of wise leadership include listening to the wise, guarding your heart, watching your words, fixing your eyes on the right path, and avoiding distractions (Proverbs 4:18–27).

Such principles set up ministry leaders to finish the race well.

Wise Practice

What leader has never said the wrong thing, slipped into unhealthy work patterns, ignored wise advice, lashed out in anger, or let ego get in the way?

These leadership temptations are common, and Proverbs addresses each one. In the 31 chapters of this book, we can find practical wisdom on communication, daily habits, mentors, emotions, pride, and much more.

Proverbs doesn’t just teach us wise principles. It also helps us develop wise practices.

How can we make the most of the wise principles and practices Proverbs offers? That’s the question this installment of Make It Count seeks to answer.

Proverbs 2 says of wisdom, “Look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure” (verse 4). Then “wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (verse 10).

These 10 lessons mine Proverbs for insights that can help church leaders grow in godly wisdom. To view the PDF, click on the image below.

This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Influence magazine.