Dangerous Praise

However, after Jehoiada died, the rulers of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them...." - 2 Chronicles 24:17

A leader must be wary of any and all who always seem to "bow" at his feet.

Jehoiada, God's priest, was the most influential person in the life of Joash and for as long as the aging priest lived, Joash honored God. Yet, after Jehoiada died, the young king found affirmation and adoration in the praise of his foolish admirers, turned his back on the teachings of his mentor, and became disobedient to God.

While leaders should welcome (and even hope for) encouragement, they should never allow it to devolve into empty flattery or accolades. Such praise may be enticing, but it is also dangerous, because it can blind them to weaknesses and failings that will ultimately undermine their effectiveness.

If you lead, then cultivate followers who reserve their adoration for God. If you follow, then reject every leader that demands your unflinching, uninterrupted praise.

Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, over the praise that deceives them. - Francois de la Rochefoucauld