Isaiah 56:9-12
(Israel's Irresponsible Leaders)
All you beasts of the field, come to devour—
all you beasts in the forest.
His watchmen are blind;
they are all without knowledge;
they are all silent dogs;
they cannot bark,
dreaming, lying down,
loving to slumber.
The dogs have a mighty appetite;
they never have enough.
But they are shepherds who have no understanding;
they have all turned to their own way,
each to his own gain, one and all.
“Come,” they say, “let me get wine;
let us fill ourselves with strong drink;
and tomorrow will be like this day,
great beyond measure.”
Tag: What Does Bad Leadership Look Like?
In the above passage, Isaiah is writing about the poor leadership in Israel. He makes several observations about what bad leadership looks like. These leaders were:
1. They are Brutes - “All you beasts of the field, come to devour—all you beasts in the forest.” - These leaders had one thing in mind: Devour and Conquer.
2. They are Blind - “... His watchmen are blind;
they are all without knowledge;” - These leaders did not know how to lead, did not know God or His Word. Poor leaders lack knowledge about the area they are leading.
3. They lack a Bark - “... they are all silent dogs;
they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. - The reason for a dog is that the dog will bark when there is danger. Great leaders warn us of dangers approaching. These leaders did not. Instead, they simply lay down and slumber. Poor leaders are like dogs who sleep rather than watch.
4. They Binge - “ ... The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. - Bad leaders feed their own appetite, obsessionally. They simply want to consume what they want. Good leaders should feed their flock. These leaders simply consume
5. They are Brainwashers - “... “Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.” - Bad leaders love to wave a treat in one hand and a false path in the other. These leaders of Israel were trying to change the minds of the nation to please their own appetite. They make it sound so safe in one way ... leading to death and destruction in reality.
Bad leaders can be found in organizations, churches, schools, institutions families and/or clubs. Avoid them. Be aware of them.
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