What do CliftonStrengths® and Proverbs have to do with one another? Let me paint a picture for you.
You’re leading a team that’s growing fast, and so are the demands you face on the job. Your calendar is packed, expectations are rising, and every decision seems weightier than the last.
You pause between meetings and think, “I’ve got the drive. I know my Strengths. But am I leading with wisdom?”
That tension (that tug-of-war between action and intention) is where many leaders live. And it also happens to be exactly where the Book of Proverbs meets the CliftonStrengths® framework.
In this month’s previous blog, I shared why coaching, when rooted in faith, takes you deeper, to a divine level of service and excellence. Building on that, I want to invite you to explore how Scripture, specifically Proverbs, can transform how you understand and activate your Strengths.
I’m a strong believer in the interplay of ancient biblical wisdom and modern psychology. They don’t have to exist as opposing forces. Together, they offer a powerful model for Spirit-led leadership. Not just doing “more,” but becoming more aligned with who God created you to be.
Let’s explore how Proverbs breathe life into the 34 CliftonStrengths and help you lead with greater clarity, character, and courage.
CliftonStrengths® and Proverbs: A Blueprint for Spirit-Led Leadership
The Book of Proverbs brims with timeless truths, and when paired with the 34 CliftonStrengths®, it becomes a roadmap for Christ-centered leadership.
Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, pastoring, or building a business, this pairing offers a path toward clarity, courage, and character.
Let’s explore how these Strengths come to life through Proverbs across the four domains: Strategic Thinking, Executing, Influencing, and Relationship Building.
Strategic Thinking: Wisdom That Sees Ahead
These Strengths help us think clearly, plan wisely, and pursue growth.
– Analytical® – Proverbs 14:15: “The prudent give thought to their steps.”
Action: Evaluate your team’s performance using measurable data before making decisions.
– Context® – Proverbs 22:28: “Do not move an ancient boundary stone.”
Action: Reflect on past projects to guide future leadership strategies.
– Futuristic® – Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Action: Paint a vivid vision for your team’s future and connect it to purpose.
– Ideation® – Proverbs 8:12: “I possess knowledge and discretion.”
Action: Facilitate a brainstorming session to spark innovation.
– Input® – Proverbs 18:15: “The ears of the wise seek knowledge.”
Action: Create a shared resource library for your team to grow from.
– Intellection® – Proverbs 2:2: “Apply your heart to understanding.”
Action: Schedule time for deep thinking and strategic reflection.
– Learner® – Proverbs 1:5: “Let the wise add to their learning.”
Action: Invest in your growth this quarter. This could mean reading, studying, or even pursuing a new certification (hint: keep an eye out for my Strengths Champion Certified Coach 2-Day Workshop!).
– Strategic® – Proverbs 4:26: “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet.”
Action: Build a backup plan to stay focused and flexible.
These Strengths help you pause before you push, so your plans align with your purpose.
Executing: Faithful Action with Eternal Impact
These Strengths drive disciplined, results-oriented leadership.
– Achiever® – Proverbs 13:4: “The soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
Action: Start each day with a goal list and rest when it’s done.
– Arranger® – Proverbs 24:27: “Put your outdoor work in order.”
Action: Reorganize your team’s workflow for greater efficiency.
– Belief® – Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do.”
Action: Clarify your values and align your projects with your purpose.
– Consistency® – Proverbs 11:1: “Accurate weights find favor with Him.”
Action: Establish fair, repeatable systems that serve your team well.
– Deliberative® – Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
Action: Weigh risks carefully before making a decision or launching a program.
– Discipline® – Proverbs 12:1: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.”
Action: Build a daily rhythm to support your goals and God’s calling.
– Focus® – Proverbs 4:25: “Let your eyes look straight ahead.”
Action: Protect your top priority. Eliminate distractions.
– Responsibility® – Proverbs 22:29: “Skilled workers will serve before kings.”
Action: Take full ownership of a team challenge and see it through.
– Restorative® – Proverbs 28:13: “Confess and find mercy.”
Action: Offer solutions for problems others shy away from.
These Strengths show us that hustle is holy when it’s aligned with the heart of God.
Influencing: Boldness with Biblical Backbone
These Strengths help you champion ideas and inspire action.
– Activator® – Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit.”
Action: Kickstart a project you’ve been hesitating on.
– Command® – Proverbs 28:1: “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Action: Speak up. Lead decisively and without fear.
– Communication® – Proverbs 15:23: “How good is a timely word!”
Action: Share an encouraging message to lift your team today.
– Competition® – Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron.”
Action: Set up a challenge or friendly contest to bring out the best in your team.
– Maximizer® – Proverbs 4:18: “The path of the righteous shines brighter.”
Action: Take something that’s working and elevate it to excellence.
– Self-Assurance® – Proverbs 3:26: “The Lord will be your confidence.”
Action: Trust God’s direction and lead with conviction.
– Significance® – Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is better than riches.”
Action: Mentor someone to grow their character and influence.
– Woo® – Proverbs 18:16: “A gift ushers you into presence.”
Action: Initiate connection. Expand your network and encourage others.
Influencing Strengths help you charge your vision with action to create a meaningful ripple effect.
Relationship Building: Leadership That Loves Well
These Strengths create connection, compassion, and belonging.
– Adaptability® – Proverbs 27:1: “You do not know what a day may bring.”
Action: Embrace change today with calm and courage.
– Connectedness® – Proverbs 3:5-6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him.”
Action: Show your team how their roles serve a greater purpose.
– Developer® – Proverbs 9:9: “Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.”
Action: Encourage someone’s growth through feedback or mentorship.
– Empathy® – Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.”
Action: Be present for someone facing difficulty.
– Harmony® – Proverbs 17:14: “Drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
Action: Help your team avoid unnecessary conflict and restore peace.
– Includer® – Proverbs 31:20: “She opens her arms to the poor.”
Action: Welcome someone who often feels left out.
– Individualization® – Proverbs 20:5: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters and a person of insight draws them out.”
Action: Customize your leadership based on each person’s unique gifts.
– Positivity® – Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
Action: Share encouragement freely. It fuels morale and joy.
– Relator® – Proverbs 18:24: “A friend sticks closer than a brother.”
Action: Deepen your connection with a trusted teammate or friend.
These Strengths remind us that leadership is how we care.
CliftonStrengths® and Proverbs: Strengths Are Soul Gifts
Each Strength is more than a label. It’s a gift from God. And when guided by Proverbs, your Strengths become tools to build trust, integrity, and transformation.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.”
—Proverbs 24:3
So let’s turn reflection into action:
– Which of your Strengths needs realignment with Scripture?
– Which Proverb speaks to your current season of leadership?
– What step can you take this week to lead with greater wisdom and Strength?
Let’s keep the conversation alive and incorporate spirit-led design into each of our lives and work. Let’s lead with Strength. Let’s live with wisdom.
Did you enjoy this exploration of CliftonStrengths® and Proverbs? Want to explore more about integrating your faith and coaching?
Start with A Christian Perspective on ICF Coaching
Want to bring WISE leadership to your team or church?
Let’s connect and create a coaching experience designed for your calling.
Brent, This post on Proverbs and Strengths is SO GOOD! It leads me to a lot more thought, understanding and innovation in my life and work. We’re all leaders, called and empowered by God to do good things and lead others. Thank you for this.
Best to you, Cathy Johnson
Cathy so excited for you to have an inspiration of thought, understanding, and innovation in your life and work! Thanks for staying connected and reading my blog. Please share with others who also might benefit.
Wow! Another powerful tool. I am working with my leaders to develop Q3 goals based on their top five strengths. I have an idea of how to infuse this in the process. Will be meeting with them all next week and will follow-up to let you know how it goes. Appreciate your knowledge, expertise and continued willingness to help me grow on this Strengths Champion journey.