Leadership is a calling that requires wisdom, integrity, humility, and a servant’s heart.
The Bible provides a wealth of guidance on what true leadership looks like, from the examples of Moses and David to the teachings of Jesus.
Biblical leadership is not about exerting power or control but about guiding others with love, vision, and godliness.
The 35 Bible verses we bring to you today about leadership offer insight into the qualities of effective leaders and the heart behind leading others in a way that honors God.
Whether you lead a business, a church, or your own family, these scriptures will inspire you to lead with wisdom, compassion, and humility.
Bible Verses On Leadership
1. Proverbs 11:14 – The Importance of Counsel
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
2. Matthew 20:26-28 – Servant Leadership
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
3. James 3:1 – Responsibility of Leadership
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
4. 1 Timothy 3:1-2 – The Qualifications of a Leader
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
5. Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom in Leadership
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
6. 1 Peter 5:2-3 – Leading by Example
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
7. Proverbs 16:9 – God Directs Our Steps
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
8. 2 Samuel 23:3 – Just Leadership
“The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God.'”
9. Proverbs 27:23 – Knowing Those You Lead
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
10. Psalm 78:72 – Leading with Integrity
“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
11. Titus 1:7-9 – The Role of an Overseer
“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. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
12. Philippians 2:3-4 – Humility in Leadership
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
13. Matthew 23:11-12 – Greatness Through Servitude
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
14. Proverbs 11:14 – Seeking Wise Counsel
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
15. 1 Kings 3:9 – Wisdom for Decision-Making
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
16. 1 Samuel 16:7 – God Looks at the Heart
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
17. Proverbs 16:10 – Righteous Leadership
“The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.”
18. Matthew 5:3-5 – Humble Leadership
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
19. Psalm 78:72 – Leading with Integrity and Skill
“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
20. Philippians 4:9 – Following a Good Example
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
21. 2 Timothy 2:2 – Passing on the Faith
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
22. 1 Chronicles 12:32 – Understanding the Times
“From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”
23. Proverbs 29:2 – Righteous Leadership Brings Joy
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
24. Exodus 18:21 – Wise and Capable Leaders
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
25. Luke 22:26 – Leadership Through Service
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”
26. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God in Leadership
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
27. Acts 6:3 – Choosing Leaders Wisely
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”
28. Matthew 7:24-27 – Building on a Strong Foundation
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
29. 1 Samuel 12:24 – Reverence for God in Leadership
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”
30. 1 Corinthians 4:2 – Faithful Stewardship
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
31. Nehemiah 2:18 – Visionary Leadership
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.”
32. Psalm 143:10 – Guidance for Leadership
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
33. John 13:14-15 – Leading by Example
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
34. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Ambassadors of Christ
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
35. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'”
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Leadership
Leadership is a profound responsibility, as evidenced by the many scriptures on the subject.
The Bible defines leadership as a combination of wisdom, humility, and service.
It’s not about controlling or lording over others, but guiding them with integrity, discernment, and a heart to serve.
Leaders are called to lead by example, prioritizing the well-being of those they lead and seeking God’s guidance in all decisions.
Whether leading a family, a team, or a community, the qualities outlined in these verses provide a blueprint for righteous leadership.
True leadership reflects Christ’s love and sacrifice, aiming to uplift and inspire those under our care.
We are reminded that God has appointed us as stewards over His people and that our leadership must be in alignment with His will.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to lead.
Grant me wisdom, discernment, and humility to lead as You desire.
Help me to serve others with a pure heart and to guide them with integrity.
Fill me with Your strength and understanding, and lead me in making decisions that honor You.
May my leadership inspire those around me to grow in faith and character.
Teach me to prioritize Your will over my own, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.