Thirty Sayings of the Wise: On Childing (Prov. 23:12-24:2)

Today you can find all sorts of books about parenting and leadership – but how many books are there on how to be a good child? Or a good follower?

In many ways, I think that we have it backwards. We think that the key is good parenting. If you parent well, then your kids will turn out well. Or the key is good leadership – if you have good leaders, then your business – your church – your government – will do well.

Proverbs challenges that paradigm. Proverbs starts from the assumption that where you need to start is to learn how to follow well. If you learn obedience – if you learn how to listen and put into practice what you are taught – that is the key to the good path.

How do you learn leadership? By being a good follower. If you learn how to follow well – then you will see what works (and what doesn't!).

And so then, when you are in a position to lead others, you will remember what it feels like to be a follower.