Ecclesiastes 10:4  If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.

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Calm is a superpower. 

Hyperactive brainwaves combined with hyperventilation lead to failure many times more often than success. The person who can keep his or her head when everyone else loses theirs most often wins. 

Power is not best displayed with loud commands or threatening actions. It shows up instead through focused activity and purposeful steps. 

Verse 10 in this chapter helps us with additional understanding. 

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

The Message paraphrase sheds more light: 

Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work;
Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.

Turn back two chapters and notice in 8:5, 6, “the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter.”

Lessons for today?
1. Calm is a superpower.
2. Power is displayed through focused activity and purposeful steps.
3. Wisdom is stronger than strength. 
4. Proper time and procedure accelerate successful outcomes. 

Since it is hard to master four things at once, which one of these deserves your best, focused attention today? Once you have mastered this lesson, which one comes next? Continue along those lines until all four become routine. 

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I will lead myself well so that I may lead others well.

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Our Father, thank you for wisdom and truth. Thank you for the success it makes possible. Empower me to lead myself well so that I may lead others with wisdom and skill. Amen.