What modern examples reflect the "foolish" leadership described in Isaiah 19:11? Looking Back at Isaiah 19:11 “ “The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, ‘I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings’?” ” (Isaiah 19:11) Traits of Foolish Leadership in Isaiah 19 • False confidence in human wisdom instead of God’s counsel • Arrogant self-promotion (“I am one of the wise”) • Policy built on pride, not truth (v. 13–14) • Blindness to coming judgment (v. 15–17) Other texts echo these traits: Proverbs 12:15; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Romans 1:22. Notice These Traits in Today’s World • Government officials who legalize and celebrate what God calls sin (Isaiah 5:20), expecting social flourishing while sowing moral chaos. • Legislatures spending far beyond means, piling up national debt yet insisting the economy is “secure.” Proverbs 22:7 warns of the bondage that follows. • Judicial bodies redefining marriage and gender, claiming superior insight while discarding the Creator’s design (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4-6). • Educational leaders removing prayer and biblical morality, then wondering why campuses erupt in violence and confusion (Psalm 14:1). • Corporate boards touting “ethical investing” yet profiting from exploitation, trusting PR spin over repentance (James 5:1-5). • International coalitions promising lasting peace while marginalizing Israel and ignoring the Prince of Peace (Psalm 2:1-3; Zechariah 12:2-3). • Tech giants pushing godless worldviews through algorithms, confidently steering culture while blind to eternal accountability (Galatians 6:7). Consequences We’re Already Seeing • Economic instability—“the spirit of Egypt will be emptied” (Isaiah 19:3). • Social fragmentation—“brother will fight against brother” (v. 2). • Loss of productive capacity—modern parallels to the Nile drying up (v. 5-10) include supply-chain crises and resource mismanagement. • Widespread fear and despair as leaders offer no lasting answers (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Walking in Wisdom Instead • Fear of the LORD remains the foundation of sound leadership (Psalm 111:10). • Seek counsel from Scripture before crafting policy, strategy, or vision (Joshua 1:8). • Humble acknowledgement of dependence on God (James 4:15). • Commitment to truth even when unpopular (Ephesians 4:25). • Promotion of righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a reproach (Proverbs 14:34). |
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