Psalms 45:1 (NASBStr)
My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
As an executive leadership coach I am often asked, "What does good leadership look like?" I have had, in the past, both a pithy definition (for those who want it fast and concise) and a rather long and elaborate thesis (for those who actually have the time to listen). I should, however, simply memorize Psalm 45 and make that my answer. For when God tells us what good leadership looks like, here is what he says:
1. Great leadership is someone who has grace on their lips and a sword on their side. They are "fairer" than the sons of men because of their ability to balance these both:
Psalms 45:2-3 (NASBStr)
You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.
Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!
2. Great leadership is someone who describes victory as standing for what is right in the right way:
Psalms 45:4a (NASBStr)
And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
3. Great leadership is someone who can still learn ... even in the midst of victory as defined in #2:
Psalm 45:4b
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.
4. Great leadership defines and defeats the appropriate enemies (those opposed to God and His plan):
Psalms 45:5 (NASBStr)
Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies.
5. Great leadership is distinguished above others not for how much, how long, or how many; but, rather how they lead:
Psalms 45:6-7 (NASBStr)
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.
6. Great leadership is attractive and joyful to others (not burdensome):
Psalms 45:8-9 (NASBStr)
All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.
Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
7. Great leadership inspires sacrificial living:
Psalms 45:10 (NASBStr)
Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house;
8. Great leadership inspires respect and loyalty and a following:
Psalms 45:11-15 (NASBStr)
Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.
The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.
The King’s daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.
They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King’s palace.
9. Great leadership assures continuity in transition:
Psalms 45:16 (NASBStr)
In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.
10. Great leadership will ultimately leave a great legacy:
Psalms 45:17 (NASBStr)
I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.
We don't need to turn to Harvard, Yale, University of Michigan or any place of higher eduction to define great leadership. Psalm 45 takes care of it for us!!
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