The Perils of Leadership Without Benevolence (05/31/'24) -Viewpoint

The Perils of Leadership Without Benevolence The sentence, "If a man without benevolence is in the position of a leader, this will inflict his wickedness on many people," suggests that a leader lacking kindness and goodwill will cause harm to those he leads. Benevolence, in this context, implies compassion, kindness, and a desire to do good. Without these qualities, a leader's decisions and actions are likely to be selfish, unjust, and harmful to others. Bible Verses Related to the Concept Proverbs 29:2 (NIV): "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." Explanation: This verse highlights the impact of a leader's character on the well-being of the people. A righteous leader brings joy and prosperity, while a wicked one causes suffering and distress. Proverbs 28:15 (NIV): "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." Explanation: This verse compares a wicked ruler to dangerous predators, emphasizing the threat and harm such a leader poses to those under their authority. Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (NIV): "Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness." Explanation: These verses contrast a land cursed by an immature and indulgent ruler with one blessed by a noble and disciplined leader. It underscores the importance of a leader's integrity and responsibility. Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV): "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" Explanation: Jesus teaches that true leadership is about serving others, not exercising power selfishly. This contrasts sharply with the destructive nature of a leader without benevolence. Fundamental Problem The fundamental problem with a leader lacking benevolence is that their leadership becomes a vehicle for spreading their own moral deficiencies and wickedness. Such a leader: Lacks Compassion: Without benevolence, a leader is unlikely to consider the needs and welfare of their people, leading to unjust policies and actions. Spreads Harm: Wickedness at the top can trickle down, causing systemic issues and widespread suffering among the populace. Corrupts Morality: A leader's behavior sets a precedent. If they act wickedly, it can normalize such behavior within the society they lead, undermining moral values. Erodes Trust: People lose faith in their leaders and institutions, leading to social and political instability. In summary, the sentence warns against the dangers of placing a morally deficient person in a position of power, as their lack of benevolence will result in widespread harm and suffering for those they lead. The Bible underscores this with numerous verses that highlight the positive impact of righteous leadership and the destructive consequences of wicked rulers. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 31, 2024)