I enjoy reading the bible, especially the book of Psalms, because it portrays a relationship between God and His believers.
Recently, during a Christian union ceremony, we were discussing what the bible says about leadership when one member asked which verses in the Book of Psalms are best for leadership.
As a theologian with enough knowledge and sufficient understanding of the bible, I was very thrilled to share what I knew.
I later felt the need to write this article for those who have been trying to understand what is the best Psalm for leadership.
5 Best Psalms to read to learn leadership
Psalm 101
“I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.”
In this chapter, the psalmist assures God that he will lead with Love, Justice, and faithfulness. David tells the Lord that he will not tolerate deceit in his leadership.
This is an excellent verse for you to read because it teaches important leadership qualities such as being just and Faithful.
Psalm 2
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.'”
In this chapter, the psalmist warns the nations against being rebellious towards God and encourages them to band together.
He also encourages kings to be wise and serve the Lord fearfully. This psalm is best for you to read since it teaches the importance of being wise and obeying God in leadership.
Psalm 109:1-8
“Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.”
In this verse, the psalmist pleads with God to punish and curse wicked leaders who go against God’s servants and asks Him to reduce their days of life so that a new leader may take their place.
This verse is great for you to read as it teaches that leaders should not be wicked or plot against the people of God.
Psalm 78:70-72
“He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
In this verse, the psalmist describes how God chooses David to be a leader and shepherd the people of God with integrity and an upright heart.
Therefore, this is the best verse to read and learn leadership skills because it teaches you that God must anoint a leader and have a pure heart.
Psalm 1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
In this chapter, the psalmist expresses how the Lord will destroy wicked leaders and bless those who obey His command.
The psalmist also says that God promises to make those who obey His instructions fruitful, like a tree planted by the stream of water.
You can read this verse for leadership knowledge because it encourages leaders to follow God’s commands and avoid evil or wickedness.
What does Psalms say about leadership?
The book of Psalms does not directly offer a manual for leadership. However, there are chapters and themes that many Christians and theologians interpret and relate to leadership.
The book of Psalms relates leadership to protection and guidance. This belief is supported through the book of Psalm 23:1-3 where the psalmist describes God as a shepherd and he as a sheep that God protects and provides for.
Therefore, this psalm indicates that leaders should be strong protectors and providers.
Additionally, the book of Psalms associates leadership with a great teacher. In Psalm 25:4-5, David pleads with God to teach him His ways and guide him in His truth.
This verse is proof that when in leadership, you must be able to teach your followers about righteous paths and guide them to live truthfully.
What is the best Psalms to teach children about leadership?
According to many Christians and theologians, these Psalms contain personalized poems and songs of praise filled with various emotions and personal experiences with God.
These psalms are believed to be great if you wish to teach yourself about leadership, as they can help you understand how to lead with God.
However, if you wish to use them to teach children about leadership, you can use a chapter like Psalm 141. In this psalm, King David pleads with God to control his mouth and foresee his heart so that they may be pleasing before His eyes and that they may cause division.
You can use this verse to teach children that leadership requires one to be watchful of their words so that they may be wise and uniting. You can teach them to pray to the Lord for wisdom and knowledge as leaders.
Can you learn leadership skills with these psalms?
Yes, you can. These psalms are a collection of emotions and leadership experiences attributed to various leaders, including King David, making them among the best books in the bible for you to gain knowledge about leadership.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.