Not All Fire Builds
"The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say 'Enough!': the grave, the barren womb, land which is never satisfied with water, and fire — which never says 'enough.'" - Proverbs 30, verses 15 and 16.
Ancient wisdom. Thousands of years old. Read it again as a leader living in 2026. It lands differently, doesn't it?
Here is a serious thought to contemplate — and I say this not to be a downer, but because it matters.
Life is short. No one escapes life on earth alive.
As John Ortberg wrote — "When the game is over, it all goes back in the box."
We strategise. We accumulate. We acquire. We build — like a game of Monopoly. Properties. Hotels. Status. Wealth.
And when the game is over? All of it goes back in the box.
Earthly riches are temporary. What we take with us is our relationships. Our character. Who we loved. Who loved us.
So, what does this have to do with fire?
Everything. Fire can drive us — that passion that fuels our ambition and drive while we are on this earth. We are encouraged to fan into flame our gifts and talents. To constantly grow. To keep stretching, becoming more.
That is the good fire.
But here is where it gets important. Be cautious if the fire shifts from growth of self — to growth of things. The pursuit of things is another fire entirely. It too never says enough. It too always wants more. And those things? They all go back in the box.
So always work to harness your fire for things that make you better. That grow you. That help other less fortunate people.
Fire is never satisfied. It will always burn. The key is to harness your fire — and burn for the right things all the while working hard to stay humble.
Humanity needs great leaders with incredible empathy and passion.
Passion without humility — that is arrogance. Humility without passion – that is apathy. What the world needs from you is Humble Passion.
Deeply caring about people - your family, your team, your customers and your community – with the courage and bravery fuelled by passion. Working as part of something larger than yourself.
This is the golden mean – passion and humility. Be the heir of your fire.
Not all fire builds. Choose yours.
This week's reflection:
Is your fire currently burning for growth of self — or growth of things? And what would leading with Humble Passion look like for you this week?
Gary Good
Founder — LeaderLegacy