My current Bible study finds me in Proverbs. The book is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and contains vast wisdom and instruction on moral behavior. Unfortunately, Solomon’s inability to adhere to his own teaching led to the rupture of his realm into two kingdoms – and initiated a downward spiral of failed kingships across Israel and Judah resulting in ceaseless wars and, ultimately, exile.

Solomon’s is a story of failed leadership. We may be nearing a time when history will repeat itself – a time in which failed leadership precipitates the division of our own country into two (or more) “kingdoms” – and triggers the fragmentation of the global order.

Much of the wisdom related to leadership – and the ignorance of failed leadership – can be found in the 28^th chapter of Proverbs. This chapter contrasts the deeds of the righteous and those of the wicked, teaching that true wisdom is more than just the discerning of moral behavior; it is living it.

Let’s get specific.

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.” (v. 2, NIV)

Stability is the result of wise leadership, creating peace and order. Conversely, poor leadership leads to division and chaos.

Where are we today? I lean to division and chaos. Peace and order seem but a pipedream.

“Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” (v. 5)

Justice is rooted in righteousness. Just leaders are guided by the Lord’s commandments for compassion and, above all, love for others – ALL others, not just those that look like them. Evil leaders are led instead by personal interest.

I see very little compassion within this country’s current leadership. Actually, that is generous. I see NO compassion. I observe only disdain for those that do not look like, think like, or bend the knee to POTUS. The only love I see is self-love.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse. (v. 6)

Integrity is essential to wise and effective leadership. Integrity is reflected not by wealth, but by truth and selflessness. Those preoccupied by riches will abuse their leadership to increase them.

Consider the current administration. POTUS frequently visits and promotes his own properties, receiving exorbitant  payments from political groups, foreign dignitaries, and government officials. Campaign funds have been frequently spent at those same properties. Foreign governments have booked rooms and events at Trump properties – evoking ethics complaints and violating the Emoluments clauses in the U.S. Constitution. And rather than divesting in the Trump Organization, POTUS empowers family members to leverage his brand to enrich his businesses through media, mobile services, cryptocurrencies and more. His greed obstructs his ability to care for his constituents.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (v. 13)

I’ll admit, I don’t know if POTUS conceals sins. But those that remain unconcealed are quite prolific. Of course, we all sin…me more than most. But while I seek the Lord’s mercy, Trump remains utterly unapologetic and unrepentant in his iniquity. This reflects his immense arrogance and enormous pride. He is effectively putting his morality above God’s.

Confession and humility strengthen a leader’s character – and his ability to serve rather than be served. Ultimately, this is most disqualifying of our current POTUS as a leader of men: he believes that he – and those that share his idols and prejudices – are to be served rather than to serve.

In Proverbs 28, Solomon warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. He praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Unless one is lost in the bubble of Fox “News,” it is evident that POTUS remains ignorant of Solomon’s wisdom. It is also likely that were he acquainted with it, his pride, like that of Solomon, renders him incapable of abiding by it. Let us pray that history does not repeat itself.

As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. (Proverbs 27:19)

See also The Tragic Fall of King Solomon; The Righteous v. the Wicked