This Proverb says, “A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.” The Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles summarize the tenures of Israel’s kings. When Israel was divided into two kingdoms, each kingdom had a lineage of kings. The southern kingdom was called Judah. The northern Kingdom was called Israel. The southern Kingdom, Judah, had a mixture of good and bad kings. The northern Kingdom, Israel, had only bad kings.
Generally speaking, Israel’s kings had shorter periods of rule or tenure than Judah’s kings. One could rightly say that bad kings had shorter tenures and shorter lives than good kings.
This Proverb indicates that a leader who hates unjust gain will prolong his tenure of leadership. I believe that a leader who hates unjust gain is one whose decision making is influenced by God. This leader most likely believes God and follows God’s guidance. Therefore he would have qualities that would make good leader. Such a leader would likely be just and compassionate.
The Bible says that God establishes our leaders. I believe that God would likely extend the period of rule for a good leader. Likewise, He would shorten the period of rule for a bad leader.
God has a purpose for the kind of leader selects for us. The Bible says that God has planned a superb final leader for us. Jesus Christ will be that leader. He will be King of the Earth, and He will last forever.
