For Reading and Meditation:
Ecclesiastes 8:2-8
We look at another three of Solomon's thoughts on the qualities of a wise leader. Third - a high regard for authority. "Obey the king's command," (v. 2) says Solomon, or in other words, respect whoever is over you in authority. Those who have no respect for those higher than they will never get the respect of those under them. For those under them will sense they are not loyal to the ones above them, and the whole chain of command will be negatively affected. This is a major problem in industry and business today - a problem that could be solved by following Solomon's wise advice. Fourth - be willing to ride out the tough times without withdrawing your support (vv. 3-4). If there are clearly sinful practices going on, that is another issue. But that apart, Solomon is telling us that you can't change authority unless you are higher than it, so the thing to do is to work effectively from beneath. Not by subversive or rebellious attempts, but by applying the fifth quality of leadership - knowing when and how to appeal (vv. 5-6). Timing is crucial. Many have ruined situations because they did the right thing but at the wrong time. "The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure" (v. 5). The final words of this passage (vv. 7-8) remind us that everyone has their limitations, even those in the highest echelons of authority. There's a final bottom line from which all leaders must operate. It is the fact that all of us, bosses included, must one day die.
O Father, I see that no matter what position or power I have in life, I can do nothing to redirect the wind or change the fact that one day I will die. May this understanding evoke in me a continuous attitude of deep humility. In Jesus' Name. Amen