Fool? Presidential candidate

Marks of a Foolish Leader

We know that no matter whom we elect, he or she will not be the ideal leader. However, it is of urgent importance that we avoid electing a foolish leader like the plague. We as a people have the historically recent and remarkable privilege of electing our head-of-state. If we as a people choose unwisely, it will be on our own heads.

How do we know if a potential leader is foolish? The principle is in this statement that Jesus made: “every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17). We must examine the fruit. And the Bible is quite clear on what the diseased fruit of foolishness looks like:

• The foolish have eyes that show pride (Proverbs 6:17).
• The foolish say bad things about others (Proverbs 10:18).
• The foolish joke about their wrongdoing (Proverbs 10:23).
• The foolish say whatever they think people want to hear … they think they can win any argument (Psalm 12:2-4).
• The foolish always think their own way is best (Proverbs 12:15).
• The foolish are easily upset (Proverbs 12:16).
• The foolish speak without thinking and their words cut like a knife (Proverbs 12:18).
• The foolish speak and act with recklessness and carelessness (Proverbs 14:16).
• The foolish despise instruction and reproofs from those who are wiser (Proverbs 15:5).
• When the foolish try and speak in a dignified manner it feels artificial (Proverbs 17:7).
• Rebukes just bounce off of the foolish (Proverbs 17:10).
• The foolish love to boldly pronounce their opinions (Proverbs 18:2).
• The foolish hurt themselves when they speak.  Their own words trap them (Proverbs 18:7).
• The foolish frequently disregard wisdom (Proverbs 23:9)
• There is no good way to answer fools when they say something stupid.  If you answer them, then you, too, will look like a fool. If you don’t answer them, they will think they are smart (Proverbs 26:4-5).
• The foolish have a history of repeating their folly (Proverbs 26:11).
• The foolish are quick to express their anger (Proverbs 29:11).
• The foolish are often characterized by shouting (Ecclesiastes 9:17).
• The foolish may consider themselves religious, but their unbridled tongues show that religion to be worthless (James 1:26).

This is not an exhaustive list of foolishness, nor (obviously) is it the only list to consider when electing a leader. This is simply level one. If a potential leader does not pass the assessment of this list, we must consider them disqualified.

Examine the Fruit

What is true of false prophets is also true of foolish leaders: “you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). So examine the fruit. It is true that all leaders, being sinners, will act foolishly on occasion. What we are looking for is consistent, characteristic fruit, not anomalies. If you find characteristic fruit of foolishness, do not be deceived by words or fear or any form of pressure. Do not elect a fool to a ruling position.

For what is true of false prophets is also true of foolish leaders: they will act wickedly. And “when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).

Should I vote for Bernie? An open letter to my offspring

I want to teach at my beloved high school. I was distinguished graduate earning my master's degree at the U of Denver, thanks to the Air Force. But it's not good enough to teach at King's. I need a teaching certificate. I can't afford more tuition. Bernie offers me free education. I need it. OPEN LETTER TO MY CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN and GREAT GRANDCHILD: They say there is no free lunch. Would you be willing to finance Pappy? I really, really want to teach, and I have the gift. Do you have the gift of giving? Will you pay for my free lunch? Can you find it in your heart to authorize our government to borrow and spend in my behalf? In advance, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, my Darlings!