Proverbs 11:10

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight on leadership:

Proverbs 11:10 (ESV)

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,

and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.

Leadership is sometimes overrated.   Sometimes it's not.   Solomon is telling us that it is not just leadership that matters, but it is "righteous leadership" that matters.   When the righteous rule a city things go well and the city can rejoice.  People who are lead by righteous leaders should be able to rejoice (see the story of King Josiah).   Solomon goes even further by saying not only is it good when the righteous rule it is even better when the wicked rulers perish.   We can shout for joy when the wicked ruler is gone.   It is true that God tell us to pray for and submit to our rulers (Romans 12 & 1 Peter 4).   However, the balance in the equation is found in this proverb.  It is okay to rejoice when the wicked rule no more.   Leadership is never overrated when it  is righteous leadership.   Rejoice if you have a righteous leader.   In the political world we see this play out all time, obviously.  It is actually hard to find a “righteous” politician.  That is not a knock on politicians.  It is a statement based upon observation.   We need more “righteous” people in politics.  But, the system does not support those who really want to follow righteous.   But, Solomon recognizes the beauty of those in position of leadership and the impact of righteous behavior on a community.