ILM #007: A Wise Leader is Discerning and Pleasant

Today in our Inspired Leadership Minute I want us to look at Proverbs 16:21, “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” 

A wise person is discerning. They have the ability to understand people and situations clearly. They are perceptive and have good judgement. The word for “sweetness” here is also translated “pleasant.” So some translations read, “pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.” Speaking pleasantly increases the ability to instruct or to persuade while harsh words have the opposite effect.

What is the lesson for us as leaders today?

A wise leader is a discerning leader. A leader without the ability to understand people from all ages and walks of life will struggle in today’s hyper-connected world and a leader who is not perceptive will be taken advantage of by the devious.

A leader needs to be discerning to be successful. Discernment comes from wisdom and wisdom comes from the Lord. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

A leader also needs to be persuasive and persuasiveness comes from being able to speak pleasantly, to tell the truth in love.

Pray that the Lord would give you the wisdom to be discerning and guide your tongue to speak pleasantly, to be able to tell the truth in love.

Please leave me a comment and let me know how this week’s Inspired Leadership Minute inspired you!