Leaders have understood that people are the most valuable thing an organization has. Nothing is worth more than people. That's why the ability to work with people is such an important one for every leader. Wise leaders practice the Law of Reproduction. They add great value by investing in people.
This passage from Proverbs 27 holds some interesting foundational truths on the subject of relationships. When people are valued, relationships can be saved. The following thoughts on the Law of Reproduction help with reflection.
- Don't boast. Leaders understand that no self-worth grows out of that. (Proverbs 27:1-2)
- Don't envy. Leaders understand that they sabotage themselves when they act out of jealousy or anger. (Proverbs 27:4)
- Be sincere. Leaders are not afraid of confrontation, but speak the truth in love. (Proverbs 27:5-6)
- Honor your roots. Leaders know the power of old friendships and relationships. (Proverbs 27:8)
- Closeness matters. Leaders work at nurturing relationships and meeting needs. (Proverbs 27:9-10)
- Add value. Leaders develop others further, the way one knife sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
- Stand firm and secure. Leaders stay humble, so that they don't stumble. (Proverbs 27:21)
Proverbs 27:1-21
1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
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