Hey Leader, Don’t Be a Knucklehead

By Ken Goodban, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Bellflower, CA

Read Proverbs 28.

Knuck·​le·​head | A 1942 fictional character invented by the U.S. Army to show new recruits what not to do, à la “Goofus and Gallant.”; a fool.

Based on those definitions, you may have learned how the military used it or thought of a few people you know. Proverb 28 is a great place to look for the difference between wisdom and foolishness. You see examples of this as it relates to relationships, money, attitudes about the poor, hard work, laziness, and following God’s instructions. But I want to draw your attention to one verse that shows that this becomes essential when we’re talking about leadership. Proverbs 28:2 says, “Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged.” 

I like how Eugene Peterson states this, “When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it—but it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out.” I just heard you say, “Amen.” We need leaders filled with wisdom.

When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it—but it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out. Click To Tweet

As a young pastor, I was making iced tea at a senior’s potluck and poured boiling water into a glass pitcher filled with ice and tea bags. Yep. Shattered! An older, wiser woman told me to put a piece of silverware in the pitcher and do it again. Yep. She was right. It didn’t shatter. Until I pulled the silverware out too quickly. Yep. Knucklehead moments in ministry. But some wisdom gained.

Here’s my challenge, spend time each day seeking God’s wisdom for your life. You’ll often find it when your life gets shattered, and God sends an older, wiser person to help you out. Don’t be a knucklehead. Gain wisdom.

Reflective Questions:

1. Where do you need some wisdom in your life right now?
2. How are you praying for wisdom for you and your leaders?
3. Who has God put in your circle of influence to help you get wisdom?

Memory Verse: 

Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged. Proverbs 28:2

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the people you have placed in my life to help me grow in wisdom. Help me to not be a knucklehead.

---

Click here to see a listing of each daily devotion.