Overemotional Leaders

(Prov 16:14 GNB) A wise person will try to keep the king happy; if the king becomes angry, someone may die.

In our last verse Solomon taught us that kings (or leaders) like it when you tell them the truth. Now, I believe that he meant righteous kings (or leaders). In this verse he reminds us that not everyone will receive the truth and some leaders fly off the handle when a confronting word is presented.

Have you ever worked for someone who was way too emotional? I mean someone who allowed their emotions to rule them, to the point where they would get angry at the drop of a hat. I believe that most of us – if we have not worked for someone like that – at least know a leader that is overly emotional and quick to anger.

James said: “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls” (1:19-21).

That sounds good, but the problem is that James was writing to believers. Solomon is pointing out the fact that NOT every leader is going to be humble, loving, caring, compassionate, and peaceful. We are going to encounter some leaders who are irritable, short-tempered, and moody. While dealing with leaders like this is bad enough, in and of itself, in Solomon’s time it was even a bigger issue, because a king, back then, could have you killed on a whim.

It’s dangerous to deal with someone who is yielding exceptional power without constraint and control. The sad reality, however, is that we may have to deal with leaders like this. So, since that is the case, Solomon gives us wise counsel on how to deal with them.

Solomon tells us to keep these types of leaders happy. Unlike the previous leader he described, who welcomed honest feedback, insight, and input; this leader does not welcome it at all. So if that is the case, then we do well in making every effort to keep their anger from boiling over; especially towards us.

The New International Reader’s Version of this verse reads: “An angry king can order your death. But a wise man will try to calm him down.” But how do you calm him down, you might ask? Solomon gives us an answer in the book of Ecclesiastes. In the 10th chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon said,

“If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage” (10:4).

So what does this mean to you A few things:

1. If you work for an irritable, short-tempered, and moody leader, then do all that you can to keep them from getting upset with you. Disregard yesterday’s counsel and be cautious as you deal with them.

2. If your moody leader does get upset with you, then remain calm as they fly off the handle. If you lose control, just like they are losing control, then the situation will get out of hand. Maintain a calm and positive disposition, even while they don’t. Before you know it, they will calm down.

3. Thank God that we don’t live in a time where a moody leader can have someone killed. We ought to be thankful for the government we have and the freedoms it affords us.

Father, I thank You for giving me wisdom and discernment concerning my leaders. I know how to deal with them and they receive me well. I avoid offence at all costs. I go in and out before them with liberty and grace. If they ever do get irritated of upset with me, I thank You for giving me the grace and peace to maintain a calm and positive disposition. Father, Your Word is making a difference in every area of my life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!