Leadership Lessons: Haughtiness

PART TWO

“So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.”  [2 Kings 5:5]

Last week, we were introduced to Naaman, a valiant warrior and commander of the army for the king of Aram.  But Naaman suffered from leprosy.

It just so happened (mere coincidence – NOT!) that Naaman’s wife had a young girl working for her who just happened to be from the land of Israel.  This young girl kept insisting that Naaman go see “the prophet” in Israel because he would “heal him of his leprosy.”

Finally, after much begging and persuasion from his wife, Naaman agreed to take a leave of absence from the army so he could travel to the land of Israel.  Naaman packed his belongings, including 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.  Apparently, he thought these items were needed to “purchase” his healing.  Naaman was a haughty man! 

Dictionary.com defines haughtiness as “scornful pride; snobbishness or arrogance.”  However you choose to look at it, haughtiness is not a great trait for leaders to possess!  A very wise proverb reads, “Pride goes before destruction; haughtiness before a fall.”

Time for a checkup on the haughtiness-meter?  Deal with it now so you can avoid the fall!  Trust me… falls hurt!