Connecting Humility With Influence

Do you want to be impactful and influential? Then you must start by connecting humility with influence.?This article discusses that connection.

The Source of Influence

Now, one of the most commonly used definitions of leadership says: Leadership is Influence.

Ok, but what’s the source of that influence?

As it turns out, Proverbs addresses the source of our influence. In short, our influence is dependent on our level of humility.

Thus, before we can be influential we must be humble.

As a leader, I touch the life of no one when I'm arrogant and self-consumed. Instead, to have lasting influence, I must cultivate humility. proverbsforprofessionals.net

A Practical Example

Unsurprisingly, we see how connecting humility with influence worked in Solomon’s life.

For example, in?First Kings 3.12-13?God makes Solomon wise, and gives him discernment.

Because Solomon was wise and discerning he was influential. See also?Second Chronicles 1.12.

Humility and Influence in Proverbs

The connection between humility and influence appears in several places in Proverbs. For a number of these verses, the Hebrew word?kabed?is translated honor, which I’m interpreting as influence.

Most basically, influence is an outcome of knowing wisdom,?Proverbs 3.16.

My?humility is a prerequisite to having influence?with others,?Proverbs 15.33. Similarly,?Proverbs 18.12?contrasts arrogance with humility, which brings influence.

In?Proverbs 13.18?we read that being teachable is linked to having influence. Likewise, our faithful service is a source of reward, thus an indicator of influence,?Proverbs 27.18.

Pride comes before destructive life outcomes. In contrast, humility comes before having influence. Proverbs 18.12, my paraphrase. proverbsforprofessionals.net

Apply This Today!

• When I learn the precepts I become wise-hearted, which in turn, positions me to have influence.
• Moreover, I’m impactful in the lives of others, as a friend or as a leader, to the extent that they are willing to accept my influence.
• Remember, arrogance and over-confidence are deadly to my influence.

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A longer version of this LinkedIn article originally appeared as a proverbsforprofessionals.net blog post, which is available here.