Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest. There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 ESV
Rev. Dwight Yoo
Realities of leadership
Everything under the sun is subject to frustration and futility. We cannot put our hopes on earthly things. This also applies to governments and authorities of nations. No matter the outcome of this election, half the population will be upset. And even if the candidate you voted for is elected, there will still be frustration. The government is set up with checks and balances. Not all campaign promises will come to fulfillment.
Foolish leadership brings about social upheaval. But even good leadership and governance is subject to futility and frustration in many ways. Wisdom would temper our expectations.
Responding to leadership
The existence of earthly government is at God's command. He put them in place to provide protection and order. We are to obey them until they act outside the bounds of God's will. We are not to idolize our governing officials. When rulers are angered against us, we are called to patience. We are called to be careful with our words lest they reach the king's ears. But in this day and age, we are governed by elected representatives by the people, for the people. How does this apply to us on this day and age? Christians are called to pray for governing leaders, both those we like as well as those we dislike. Leaders at the national level hold tremendous power and influence.
Foolish rulers have no self control and are self indulgent. Wise leaders know about proper timing. When to wait and when to act. Wisdom will have them hold their tongues.
Resting and reflecting
Find rest not in our political leaders, but in the king of kings. In Jesus Christ, we find our true leader. He gave up status and power rather than self indulgence in order to take the punishment of us, a foolish people. He rules with infinite wisdom. He brought about good from evil and hope out of darkness. He is ushering in perfect peace, justice, and a kingdom that will never end. This is where our true allegiance lies. Until Jesus calls us to this eternal kingdom, we are to be the best possible citizens of our earthly kingdoms where we are now. This hope should not bring us to passivity. But rather it should give us a drive to pursue gospel powered service & pursuit of people in the nation we reside.
Lord, make me an instrument of thy Peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow Love.
Where there is injury, thy Pardon, Lord.
Where there is doubt, let there be Faith.
Oh Lord, make me an instrument of thy Peace.
Where there is despair, let me bring Hope.
Where there is darkness, let there be Light.
Where there is sadness, let there be Joy.
Prayer of Peace - St. Francis
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek:
To be consoled, as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love.
Lord, make me an instrument of thy Peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow Love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it's in dying that we are born
To eternal life, to eternal life.
Lord, make me an instrument of thy Peace.
An instrument of thy Peace. Amen.
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