Good management is praised in the Bible, from stewardship of resources to leading people with wisdom. Whether managing a household, business, or church, Scripture offers valuable insights into how to do so effectively and ethically. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about godly management.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Ready
What Does The Bible Say About Management
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and entrusting our plans to Him. By committing our work and decisions to the Lord, we invite His wisdom and guidance, knowing that He will establish and direct our paths.
It teaches us to rely on His guidance rather than solely relying on our own understanding, acknowledging that true success comes from aligning our plans with God’s will.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
This verse reminds us that effective management requires order and organization. It encourages us to approach our tasks and responsibilities in a way that is fitting and well-structured.
By maintaining orderliness in our work environment and processes, we create a conducive atmosphere for productivity and growth.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse highlights the importance of diligence and careful planning in management. It emphasizes that success is not achieved through impulsive or hasty decisions but through deliberate and calculated efforts.
By exercising diligence in our managerial role, we can lead our teams and resources towards profitability and sustainable growth.
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in management. It emphasizes that how we handle small responsibilities is indicative of how we will handle greater ones.
By being faithful and honest in our management of even the smallest tasks or resources, we build a foundation of trust that empowers us to handle greater responsibilities and opportunities.
Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
This verse highlights the significance of having a clear vision in management. It emphasizes that without clear goals and direction, a team or organization can lose focus and experience decline.
A good manager provides a vision that inspires and motivates their team, ensuring that everyone is aligned towards a common purpose and working towards shared objectives.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse reminds us to approach our management responsibilities with wholehearted dedication and commitment. It encourages us to see our work as a service rendered to God, rather than merely aiming to please others.
By working diligently and passionately, with a mindset of offering our best to God, we can inspire excellence in our teams and achieve impactful results.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking action and working diligently in management. It warns against the perils of empty promises or excessive talk without corresponding effort.
By taking decisive action and focusing on productive work, we can bring about profitable outcomes and avoid the pitfalls of laziness or empty words.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
This verse encourages us to approach our management role with wisdom and discernment. It reminds us to make the most of every opportunity, recognizing that time is precious and the world we live in can be challenging.
By being intentional in our decision-making, prioritizing wisely, and making efficient use of our resources, we can effectively navigate the complexities of management and seize opportunities for growth.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'”
This verse highlights the reward of faithfulness in management. It illustrates the master’s acknowledgment and favor towards a servant who is faithful and responsible with their assigned responsibilities.
By demonstrating faithfulness and stewardship in our management roles, we position ourselves to receive greater opportunities, blessings, and fulfillment in our service.
Proverbs 11:14
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and wise advice in management. It highlights that the wisdom of many counselors leads to success and triumph.
By valuing the input and insights of others, fostering a culture of collaboration, and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, we can make more informed decisions and effectively steer our teams towards victory.
1 Timothy 3:5
“(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”
This verse underscores the correlation between personal management skills and effective leadership. It highlights that successful management is not limited to the professional realm but extends to our personal lives as well.
By cultivating healthy and balanced management in our personal lives, such as managing our relationships, finances, and time, we develop crucial skills that can positively impact our managerial roles in all areas of life.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
This verse reminds us of the sovereignty of God in our management endeavors. While we may make plans and set a course, it is ultimately the Lord who directs and establishes our steps.
By surrendering our plans to God, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His leading, we can navigate the uncertainties of management with peace and confidence, knowing that He is in control.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and teachability in effective management. It encourages us to value the advice of others, be open to correction, and embrace a growth mindset.
By actively seeking and valuing wise counsel, being receptive to feedback, and continually learning and growing, we can develop into wise and capable managers, leading with greater wisdom and understanding.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the qualities that should characterize our management approach. It highlights the importance of cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our managerial roles.
By practicing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our interactions and decision-making, we create a positive and empowering work environment that fosters growth and success.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This verse highlights the importance of trust and submission to those in leadership positions. It emphasizes that by honoring and supporting our leaders, we contribute to their effectiveness and enable them to lead with joy.
By fostering a culture of trust, respect, and support for our managers and leaders, we create an environment where their work becomes a source of joy and benefit for the entire team or organization.
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
This verse reiterates the significance of seeking wise counsel and input from others in management. It emphasizes that success in planning and decision-making is often achieved through the collective wisdom of many voices.
By actively seeking diverse perspectives, encouraging open dialogue, and valuing the input of others, we increase the likelihood of making sound and well-informed managerial decisions.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse highlights the importance of responsible and caring management within our families. It reminds us that neglecting our familial responsibilities is contrary to the principles of faith and integrity.
By prioritizing the well-being and provision for our families, both in our personal lives and as managers, we demonstrate a commitment to stewardship and ensure a solid foundation for growth and success.
Proverbs 27:23
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
This verse encourages us to be diligent in overseeing and managing the resources entrusted to us. It emphasizes the importance of being aware of the condition and needs of what we have been entrusted with.
By actively monitoring and caring for the resources under our management, whether it be finances, projects, or people, we can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to promote growth and development.
Titus 1:7
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.”
This verse provides guidelines for effective and honorable management. It stresses the importance of character and ethical conduct in fulfilling a managerial role.
By cultivating integrity, maintaining self-control, and avoiding harmful tendencies or pursuits, we demonstrate the qualities that are essential for trustworthy and respected managers.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse emphasizes the value of skill and excellence in management. It highlights that those who display competence and expertise in their work will be recognized and entrusted with greater responsibilities.
By continually developing our skills, expanding our knowledge, and striving for excellence, we position ourselves for advancement and broader opportunities in our management roles.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking divine wisdom in our managerial roles. It encourages us to depend on God, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding.
By humbly seeking God’s guidance, praying for wisdom, and being open to His leading, we can navigate the complexities and challenges of management with greater insight and discernment.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
This verse urges us to approach our management tasks with wholehearted dedication and diligence. It reminds us of the limited time we have to fulfill our responsibilities and make an impact.
By giving our best effort and investing our time and energy wholeheartedly in our management endeavors, we can leave a lasting legacy and make the most of the opportunities presented to us.