Proverbs 16:10-15 – Exhibiting and following godly leadership

In Israel, kings were appointed throughout her earlier history to represent God. Their power was ordained by God. It was granted them so that they could govern and lead the people. As the head of the nation, a king was expected to administer justice, protect the weak from being exploited and to provide security to his subjects. As God’s representatives they were expected to behave and act in godly ways and be good models for the subjects. We need to know however, that both kings and subjects were ultimately accountable to God. Since we are not in the regime of monarchy, we will take these verses and apply them to people in leadership in an extended way. These verses urge us to see leaders as people who must set the example for their followers. However, we need to know what God expects of the leader, He also requires of the ordinary men and women.

In ancient Israel, the words of a king were powerful. The people viewed them as God-given oracles. What they said was final, and any dispute would be resolved and put to an end. And since the king was God’s representative, he was expected to provide godly direction. So, when he pronounced a word of judgement, it must be right, fair and accurate. Hence a king was expected to be just and accurate in his judgement and he was not to blotch it.  For leaders in God’s community, who are leading and guiding the people of God, He also expects them to be accurate in their dealing with people, who seek their help to mediate their dispute. Leaders ought to be fair and just in their dealings and not violate justice.   

Verse 11 tells us that leaders should follow God’s fixed standard of measurement concerning justice. They are not to alter them according to personal preference to suit their purpose. Since the standards of rule are fixed by God and delegated to leaders, they must, therefore, administer them impartially. Using the language of business transactions where selling and buying are involved, we see that God expects honest dealings. Next, leaders and followers are all expected to live with integrity. The first part of verses 12 says “Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings….” It can mean that it is a detestable act for a leader to act wickedly. Or It can also mean the leader should detest people who practice and act wickedly. Why? Because leadership roles expect a person to act righteously and use his office as a leader to encourage and enforce righteousness. In this way a person will find his role as a leader established. Verse 13 assures us that when a leader speaks uprightly, he will be the love of his followers. A leader’s ideals must measure up to the divine prescription set forth in the Word of God. When he demonstrates that, he will be loved and honoured by his followers, who will also emulate his ways. When a leader acts contrary to this and speaks falsehood, he will also unwittingly be encouraging misrepresentation.   

In our context, let us see verse 14 as an encouragement for followers not to defy a godly leader. It tells us that rebelliousness will elicit a harsh response from the leader. It is better to seek to act amiably than to be confrontational. Leaders are delegated with authority to deal rightly to suppress any rebellious spirit. This is to ensure that the kingdom value of God will not be hampered. Verse 15 is a call to do all we can and be favorable in our relationship with our leader. When the leader is comfortable with his role, the environment will be lightened up. Just like the welcoming sight of cloud during a season of drought.