# 479 The Proverbs – ‘A manual for living’ (MSG). Proverbs 28 (2). Leadership matters!

³ A ruler who oppresses the poor
    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

Have you ever experienced “driving rain”?

“The term “driving rain” refers to rain that is falling hard and being blown by strong winds. It describes a type of precipitation that is not only heavy but also turbulent, often causing   difficulties on the roads and making it challenging to walk or drive safely. This term is          commonly used to describe conditions where rain is so intense that it can affect visibility and safety on various surfaces.” (Cambridge Dictionary)

Here in Proverbs, there is quite a bit of teaching concerning leadership, both good and bad and verse 3 above describes some really bad leadership. It is compared to driving rain that does the exact opposite of what rain is meant to do for crops. Instead of helping them to grow, this rain actually destroys the crops due to its intensity. So, this type of leadership actually is extremely negative even to the extent that it oppresses the poor!

“The implication is that the very purpose and function of government is to do justice, and in particular to protect the poor from being exploited by powerful interests. (# 51)

Proverbs 29:4 says:  By justice a king gives a country stability…

“Both rain and a ruler have the potential for great good or great evil.” (# 53) How is your government doing? Are they like precipitation that waters the crops and produces growth and blessing? Or are they like driving rain bringing injustice and instability?

Whatever your situation, Paul gives some good advice as follows:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

It’s interesting that Paul here doesn’t then add “and secondly.” Although he does mention that the ultimate outcome of men everywhere [lifting] up holy hands in prayer will be people (including leaders) to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth… [through] Jesus Christ. (2:8, 3) Thus resulting in a change in them and the community around them – e.g. only then would it be possible for a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (2:2)

Proverbs also have other relevant verses on leadership:

² When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

How we need people in power these days who rule with discernment and knowledge and therefore maintains order and stability.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

If we note the movement of people around the world (particularly refugees), we see that the movement is always away from countries where the wicked rise to power (and so people go into hiding) and then the movement is towards places where the righteous triumph and so, there is great elation. In other words where leadership activities lead to the destruction of social order and alienation, the people go into hiding (or leave), but where rulers aim for what is good for their country and people and this is celebrated, there is great elation. Just maybe these latter nations are a safe haven because of those who pray for their leadership!

(See also verse 28 – When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.)

¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

¹⁶ A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

There is no doubt that “God hates tyranny. Here we again see Proverbs castigating leaders who are not, at heart, servants to their people.” (# 51)

Keller continues:

“This foreshadows the more extensive teaching of the New Testament on leaders as ‘stewards.’ Stewards were household managers – with complete authority over all members of the household – but they were not the owners. They managed the assets for the benefit of the owner. A steward, then, was both a ruler ‘in charge’ and a servant (Luke 12:44-45). Paul considered authoritative leadership in the church to be a ‘stewardship’ (1 Corinthians 9:17; Titus 1:7).” (# 51)

A good “steward” could be described as one having some of the following character traits:

Having understanding from seeking God: ⁵ Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Discernment and an attitude of being a learner: ⁷ A discerning son heeds instruction…

Openness and honesty before God concerning their sin: ¹³ Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

A humility that acknowledges the greatness of God: ¹⁴ Blessed is the one who always trembles before God…

A seeking to obey God and do what is right with God’s help: ¹⁸ The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe…

Dependabilty whose words and action are compatible: ²⁰ A faithful person will be richly blessed…

Faith in God and his Word:  ²⁵ The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Wisdom that is seen in action and not just words:  ²⁶ Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Generosity: ²⁷ Those who give to the poor will lack nothing…

So, let me conclude with this prayer for the ruler in Israel, and why not substitute the title of your government leaders today:

Give the gift of wise rule to the king [President/Prime Minister], O God,
    the gift of just rule to the crown prince [other government ministers].
May he judge your people rightly,
    be honorable to your meek and lowly.    (Psalm 72:102 Message)