10 Traits of a Righteous Leader

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan”.

Proverbs 29:2

The synchronized national and local elections are just around the corner.

While a vast majority of Filipinos at this point in time have more or less decided on whom to vote at least for the highest government positions in the land, it is always worthwhile to evaluate our basis for choosing our candidates for public office.

Not so long ago, the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) along with other faith-based organizations came out with a leaflet written in the local (Tagalog) dialect entitled “Sino ang dapat iboto sa eleksyon 2010” (Who should we vote in the 2010 elections). It talked about the importance of one’s voice and called for every voter’s active and responsible exercise of the right to suffrage.

Drawing wisdom from the Holy Scriptures, the brochure also laid out ten (10) traits or qualities of a righteous leader from a biblical perspective. I don‘t know if the PBS and PPCRV also came out with an English version of this leaflet. I thought it would be my humble contribution to their noble advocacy to come out with an appropriate English translation of these ten guidelines for the benefit of blog readers who seek deeper raison d'être for choosing the country’s leaders from among the various candidates.

It is my prayer that blog readers who peruse these traits with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, shall be empowered to discern and select deserving leaders for public service.

10 Traits of a Righteous Leader

1. Fear of the Lord. His life shows obedience to Biblical teachings.
(2 Samuel 23:3-4)

2. Concern and love for our country. Is he truly a Filipino “in mind, in his words and actions?”
(Deuteronomy 17:15)

3. Ability to lead. Does he have the ability to perform the responsibilities entrusted to him?
(Genesis 41:37-41)

4. Good steward of his family. Faithful to his spouse and children, slave to no vice, has high moral standards.
(1Timothy 3:4)

5. Integrity. Cannot be bribed, and truthful in his statements.
(Deuteronomy 6:18-19)

6. Hardworking. Spends his time in performing his responsibilities.
(Romans 12:11)

7. Upright. Does not embezzle from the people and is not mixed up in corruption.
(Psalms 89:14)

8. Not greedy. Will he enrich himself through wrongful means? Will he use his position to enrich himself?
(Proverbs 29:4)

9. Faithful to his promises. True to his word, does what he promises to do. Has the ability to carry out what is right. Has the inner strength and humility to admit one’s wrongdoing and rectify them.
(Proverbs 25:14)

10. Impartial. Reliably fair in rendering any decision.
(Proverbs 31:8-9)