In the context of the Bible, the concept of management is closely related to stewardship, leadership, and the responsible oversight of resources, people, and tasks. The role of a manager, as understood through Scripture, involves accountability, wisdom, and service, reflecting God's order and purpose.

Biblical Foundation of Management

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that relate to the principles of management. The concept of stewardship is foundational, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where God commands humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground." This mandate implies a responsibility to manage God's creation wisely and justly.

Parables and Teachings

Jesus often used parables to illustrate principles of management and stewardship. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus describes a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money. The servants are expected to manage these resources wisely. The servant who effectively multiplies his talents is commended, while the one who fails to do so is reprimanded. This parable underscores the importance of diligence, initiative, and accountability in management.

Similarly, the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13) highlights the shrewdness and foresight expected of a manager. Although the steward is initially dishonest, his ability to act decisively in a crisis is noted. Jesus concludes with the lesson that "whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much" (Luke 16:10), emphasizing integrity and faithfulness in management.

Characteristics of a Godly Manager

1. Faithfulness and Integrity: A manager must be trustworthy and honest. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." Integrity in management reflects God's character and commands respect and trust from others.

2. Wisdom and Discernment: Effective management requires wisdom, as seen in the example of Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to govern His people (1 Kings 3:9). James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously.

3. Servant Leadership: Jesus exemplified servant leadership, teaching that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). A manager should prioritize the well-being and development of those they lead, following Christ's example.

4. Accountability: Managers are accountable to God and others for their actions and decisions. Romans 14:12 reminds us, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This accountability ensures that managers act responsibly and ethically.

5. Diligence and Hard Work: Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." A manager should be industrious and committed to their responsibilities, setting an example for others.

Examples of Biblical Managers

· Joseph: As a manager in Potiphar's house and later as the governor of Egypt, Joseph demonstrated exceptional administrative skills, integrity, and faithfulness (Genesis 39-41). His ability to interpret dreams and manage resources saved Egypt and surrounding nations from famine.

· Nehemiah: Tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah exemplified leadership, strategic planning, and perseverance (Nehemiah 1-6). His reliance on prayer and his ability to motivate and organize people were key to his success.

· Daniel: Known for his wisdom and integrity, Daniel served as a high-ranking official in Babylon. His commitment to God and his exceptional management skills earned him favor and respect (Daniel 6).

In summary, the Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings and examples that inform the role of managers. Through faithfulness, wisdom, and servant leadership, managers are called to reflect God's order and purpose in their stewardship of resources and people.3623. oikonomos -- the manager of a household
... Word Origin from oikos and nemo (to manage) Definition the manager of a household
NASB Word Usage manager (3), managers (1), steward (2), stewards (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3623.htm - 7k

4291b. proistemi -- to put before, to set over, to rule
... pro and histemi Definition to put before, to set over, to rule NASB Word Usage engage
(2), have charge over (1), leads (1), manage (1), managers (1), manages (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4291b.htm - 5k

John xvii. 1
... build splendid tombs, and buy costly houses, and draw about with us herds of all
kinds of servants, and devise different stewards, appointing managers of lands ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxx john xvii 1.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... Tract Societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was accordingly done, and
the constitution, together with the address of the managers, was published ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... to that degree, that he found it necessary to enlarge his place of worship, and
he was, the next year, authorized by the board of managers to purchase a lot of ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... As soon as Zinzendorf heard the news, he rushed heroically to the rescue, gave security
for ?�10,000, dismissed the managers of the Diaconies, and formed a new ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

General Conference of 1824
... As it was the constitutional duty of the managers of the Missionary Society of the
Methodist Episcopal Church to report the doings of the society for the four ...
/.../chapter 7 general conference of.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... The managers, and those of the prelatical persuasion, made a mighty noise and handle
of this against the presbyterians, whereas this deed was his only, without ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 5.htm

The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ...
... Church? The local managers of diaconies proved incompetent. At Neuwied
one Brother lost ?�6,000 of Church money in a lottery. The ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the church and.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... society shall be conducted by a president, thirteen vice presidents, clerk, recording
and corresponding secretary, treasurer, and thirty-two managers, all of ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Book vi
... from England and Upper Canada; address of the bishops; address from the British
Conference; answer of the General Conference; address of the managers of the ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume iv/book vi.htm

The Sunday Christian.
... His piety flowed into certain benevolent operations of the day; he contributed to
the support of Indian and Foreign Missions, and was one of the managers on a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the sunday christian.htm

Managers (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Managers (3 Occurrences). Galatians 4:2 But is under keepers
and managers till the time fixed by the father. (BBE NAS). ...
/m/managers.htm - 7k

Manager (10 Occurrences)

/m/manager.htm - 9k

Varied (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. (See RSV). ...
/v/varied.htm - 7k

Keepers (78 Occurrences)
... And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. (KJV WBS). Galatians
4:2 But is under keepers and managers till the time fixed by the father. (BBE). ...
/k/keepers.htm - 33k

Faithfully (27 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. (See NIV). ...
/f/faithfully.htm - 14k

Forms (24 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. (WEB NIV). ...
/f/forms.htm - 13k

Employ (6 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/e/employ.htm - 9k

Direction (128 Occurrences)
... a southeasterly direction. 5. (n.) The body of managers of a corporation
or enterprise; board of directors. 6. (n.) The pointing ...
/d/direction.htm - 38k

Manages (1 Occurrence)

/m/manages.htm - 6k

Management (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The collective body of those who manage or direct any enterprise or
interest; the board of managers. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/m/management.htm - 9k

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