Proverbs 13:17 proposes a spiritual lesson Americans refuse to heed—Character matters!
Proverbs 13:17 – “A wicked [ungodly] messenger [teacher; ambassador] falleth [cast down; falls down by violence] into mischief [adversity; easily given to blackmail]: but a faithful [true; honest] ambassador [messenger] is health [like good medicine; without weakness].”
A wicked man may have smooth lips that drip with the sweetness of honey; however, a public stage ultimately amplifies his sorry character. In contrast, a man of integrity is a joy to those who prize substance of character over flattering lips.
Some reading today’s devotional are too young to remember the question of character that arose during the 1992 presidential elections between then sitting President George H. Bush and a scandal laden governor from Arkansas named 
William Jefferson Clinton. Even in his first run for the White House, “Bimbo Magnet Bill” was haunted by a cloud of questions regarding his relationships with women other than his wife Hillary. With the cooperation of liberal media, soon to-be president Bill Clinton was able to turn the focus of the debate from his infidelity to the question of whether or not character really mattered for those who aspired to leadership.
Sadly, the American people were willing to sacrifice integrity in leadership for charm and likability. A result of devaluing the importance of character in our nation’s highest office led to a scandal plagued administration and a president who conducted immoral liaisons within the oval office itself.
My friend, character does matter and is an essential quality of leadership.
1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith