What does the Bible say about being a good leader?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• Titus 1:7-14

  [7] For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; [8] but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; [9] holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him. [10] For there are also many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, [11] whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. [12] One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons." [13] This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, [14] not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

• Proverbs 16:9

  A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.

• 1 Timothy 4:12

  Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

• 1 Timothy 3:2

  The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;

• Hebrews 13:7

  Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.

• Proverbs 16:7

  When a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

• Romans 12:8

  or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

• John 13:13-17

  [13] You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am. [14] If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. [16] Most assuredly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

• 2 Timothy 2:15

  Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

• Mark 10:42-45

  [42] Jesus summoned them, and said to them, "You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [43] But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. [44] Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. [45] For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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