Growing Kingdom Wisdom: The Essential Qualities of a Mature Christian Leader

Decades ago, I was introduced to the daily habit of reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month (thirty-one chapters for thirty-one days). I was recently astonished to realize that because of that discipline, I’ve read the entire book of Proverbs almost five hundred times. Yet in Growing Kingdom Wisdom, Tom Yeakley points out several key insights from the endless treasures of Proverbs that I had read but not recognized. I believe that any Christian, but especially those in leadership roles, could profit from the years of study that Yeakley has condensed in this book. If you long to grow in Kingdom wisdom, along with reading the Proverbs themselves, read this book.

Growing Kingdom Wisdom by Tom Yeakley is comprehensive, challenging, and convicting. I count this as an essential study for any leader who seeks an intentional path to godly wisdom and spiritual growth. Yeakley generously provides tools that create the discipline required for the divine process of transformation to advance its work in you.

Wisdom is one of the qualities most needed by leaders, yet is the hardest to develop. It is more of an art than a science, taking time and humility to develop. Tom Yeakley has done a superb job helping us know not only what Kingdom wisdom is but more importantly, how to grow in it, letting its benefits impact every area of our lives and leadership.

The list of desirable leadership qualities fills thousands of books. Tom Yeakley condenses the list to one absolutely necessary element—wisdom. “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NIV). Wisdom is the glue to all the other leadership qualities. The quest for godly wisdom seems to be too indefinable to be pursued. Tom beautifully takes the mystery out of the search and gives incredibly practical help in growing this life of wisdom. It’s not a formula, but rather a process of practice, discovery, and deep commitment. The teaching of this book will give power to your life and leadership.

Wisdom is one of those blessings from God I honestly never thought of as something to be worked on. Received, yes of course, as Solomon received wisdom from the Lord. Earned by the wrinkles and gray hair of old age? Also of course. But something to actively and intentionally work toward? To be honest, no, I hadn’t given that much thought. And yet Tom Yeakley has outlined a way to do just that in his book Growing Kingdom Wisdom. It made me pause, reflect, and pull out my yellow highlighter more than a few times!