Read the passage here:
Lesson 1 – Do your homework
Looks can be deceiving so do your homework on any potential major decision. The Gibeonites masked their true identity to gain favor with Joshua and the Israelite army.
Lesson 2 – Ask the tough questions
Joshua and the Israelites were skeptical and in verse 7 and 8 they asked three direct and tough questions. As a leader you must have a sense of skepticism and take a cautious tone on all major decisions. One bad decision can lead to many years of trouble, heartache, and losses.
Lesson 3 – Expect a direct answer
In verse 9-12 the Gibeonites babble on about their clothes, food, and journey but never directly answer Joshua. They beg to be made servants, or join their team, and they point out everything except who they truly are and why they are there. Joshua did not hold firm and expect an answer to ease his initial skepticism.
Lesson 4 – Do not be swayed by flattery
Many times, someone who is trying to win your favor will flatter you. The Gibeonites praised the Israelites for their victories and expressed fear of their mighty power (verse 9-12). Any good leader should be skeptical and proceed with caution of an outsider lauding praise on your organization. More often than not their motives are not pure.
Lesson 5 – Consult God
Everything hinges on lesson 5. You can do your due diligence until the cows come home, but if you do not consult God you will make a mistake. Any plan without God is destined to fail. Joshua did not consult God
Lesson 6 – You have a responsibility to your people and church
In verse 18 the Israelites find out that they were deceived, and they begin to grumble against the leaders. As a leader your decision will impact a whole organization and the people who call that organization home. You better make sure you are doing what God has directed, and that you have done your homework.
Lesson 7 – Honor an oath or contract
Sometimes we will make a mistake and get stuck with a poor decision. Handle the dealing with honor and uphold your end of the bargain. However, you can make the best of a bad situation (see lesson 9).
Lesson 8 – Own it!
If you make a poor decision own up to that decision and then move forward. Joshua knew he head made a mistake and he did not try to hide it. He told the people about the mistake, but he also came with a plan to fix it. Joshua 9:19-21
Lesson 9 – Make the best of a poor decision
We all make poor decisions, but many times you can find a way to make it benefit your organization. Joshua honored his treaty with the Gibeonites, but he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the nation of Israel and the altar of God(see verses 26-27).
