Leadership in the Bible
A Practical Guide for Today
Drawing from ancient wisdom, this book shows that strong leaders endure, even in dark times.
The books of the Bible, which have been used for divination, for inspiration, and as a tool for better living, are given new treatment in Leadership in the Bible. Paul Ohana and David Arnow offer their interpretation of biblical books for entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing solid advice for managers in all industries.
For all its versions and translations, the essential wisdom of the Bible doesn’t change. This book links the Bible’s ancient knowledge to modern problems, showing that solutions are usually close to home: “The Bible wants a world of ethical rescuers, not bystanders.” Accordingly, Ohana and Arnow encourage openness, savvy negotiation, and communication.
In spite of its title, this isn’t a spiritual book. It reads more as a collection of proverbs for businesspeople. Fresh interpretations of familiar stories are designed to give confidence and insight. Moses, for example, is shown not to be a bystander: he acts on behalf of the Israelites, and instead of relying on divine intervention, he must do the work himself. This recurring theme makes Leadership in the Bible a reassuring text in disturbing times. It reiterates the message that the one who’s ready is capable: God does not call the equipped, but equips the prepared.
The book assumes a certain amount of comfort with a management role. There are no role-playing suggestions or worksheets. The authors’ tone is knowledgeable and comforting, delivering messages like “In times of crisis, remember that it’s your responsibility to act—regardless of the usual limits of your job description.” The book shows that leaders most often begin as ordinary people who are in the right place at the right time with the right abilities. Anyone, it argues, could act as Joseph, Moses, or Abraham, when the moment calls for it.
The mind of God is not unknowable, the text says; the Bible offers valuable insights into holy and natural law. God, rather than being held apart as an inscrutable divinity, functions in the text as more of a project manager, who creates but “does not wait for the entire world to be completed to observe its quality.”
Values like celebrating quality early and often, reaching out to connect with new employees, and keeping an open mind when settling disputes are held up in the text, among other solid leadership examples that are supported by social research, making this an effective text that’s part of a rich tradition.
Leadership in the Bible is a timely and timeless work that imparts faith that good leaders endure, even in the worst times.
Reviewed by
Claire Foster
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
