Issue #398, May 14, 2025

Leadership challenges quickly show us how much we need wisdom—more than knowledge alone, we need the ability to act correctly in difficult moments. This is the essence of wisdom: applying what we know and experience to make sound judgments and decisions. Knowledge relates to what we know; wisdom relates to how we should act.

In this series, we’ll explore how Joshua, one of the Bible’s great leaders, found, gained, and exercised wisdom in leading God’s people. In this first reflection, we’ll look at how Joshua found wisdom. Early in his leadership, scripture tells us that he was filled with wisdom— making his life and leadership a powerful case study on wisdom.

“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9, NIV)

What can we learn from Joshua about how he found wisdom?

Joshua found wisdom by spending time with God.

The text above indicates that Joshua was filled with wisdom because Moses laid hands on him. While this had a spiritual element, we also know that Joshua spent much time in God’s presence before this. While Moses would speak to God and then return to the people, Joshua stayed at the tent (see Exodus 33:11). Here Joshua learned what Solomon would write about over 300 years later, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). In this tent, Joshua was in the background, developing the heart of a leader that served others. Here he learned to value God’s presence more than a position or the applause of people. This private shaping prepared him for public service.

Some leaders look for wisdom in the latest book on leadership or at the conference that promises answers to leadership challenges. While these are good in themselves, serving leaders first find wisdom in time alone with God. They seek wisdom not in position but from presence. Serving leaders who want to grow in wisdom don’t skip the time in the tent!

Joshua found wisdom by observing a wise leader.

Moses laid hands on Joshua only after 40 years of Joshua observing how Moses led. Joshua saw how Moses met with God, how he responded to troublemakers and slanderous attacks. Joshua led the people to battle with the Amalekites but learned that it was the prayers of Moses on the mountain that determined the outcome.

Some leaders expect to find wisdom on their own, believing that they have what it takes to become wise. But serving leaders observe older, wiser leaders and learn wisdom from them.

Joshua found wisdom by being commissioned.

Moses commissioned Joshua to be the next leader by laying his hands on Joshua. This transfer of authority and power included the gift of wisdom that Moses possessed. It also indicated that Joshua would lead under authority.

Some leaders commission themselves and seek authority on their own merits. But serving leaders operate under appropriate authority that blesses them to grow in wisdom. They learn wisdom by being under authority before being in authority.

For further reflection and discussion:

Do I have a time in my day that I ‘unplug’ from my leadership role, turn off the news, social media and messages and spend time in the ‘tent’ with God? How does this impact my leadership?
In what ways have I learned wisdom by observing other leaders? Am I intentionally reflecting on how and what I learn from them? Where possible, have I thanked them for the way their wisdom has helped me as a leader?
Under whose authority do I lead? How does this help me grow in wisdom? Are there ways I can strengthen this relationship for greater impact?
In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following verses that relate to finding wisdom: (Proverbs 1:7, 2:3-6, 3:5-7, 4:7, 9:10, 21:11; Luke 2:52; James 1:5; Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9, 2:2-3)

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Joshua gained wisdom through failure.