June 22 – Wise Leadership

 

Proverbs 29:2

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”

SITREP:

What kind of leader are you becoming now that you're off the battlefield? Leadership requires wisdom. Lead with integrity and godly wisdom, and those around you will be blessed.

This proverb, penned by Solomon, hits at the heart of power and influence. In ancient Israel—and still today—leaders didn’t just shape policy; they shaped morale. They either built communities or crushed them. And Solomon, who led during a time of great expansion and decision-making, knew the weight of leadership better than most.

It’s a short verse with a long echo: leadership isn’t neutral. It either lifts or it breaks.

Breaking Down the Verse:

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice…”
When integrity and justice guide a leader’s hand, the people beneath that leadership flourish. Their lives are lighter. There’s space for hope.

“…when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Corruption isn’t quiet. It reverberates through every level of life—burdens heavier, spirits lower, trust broken. A leader’s character ripples outward.

How This Applies to a Combat Veteran’s Faith:

You know what it’s like to follow orders—some good, some bad. You’ve seen leaders who stood in the gap for their people, and others who hid behind them. You’ve carried out missions under righteous command and under questionable leadership. You know the difference. You’ve felt it.

Now the question is: How will you lead?

Maybe you're no longer leading in formation, but you still hold influence:

In your family, where every decision sets a tone.

In your community, where your story gives you a platform.

In your church, where your discipline and scars give you credibility.

Righteous leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about being solid.

Speaking truth when it costs you.

Protecting others when it’s inconvenient.

Carrying the weight when everyone else is ready to drop it.

You don’t need a rank insignia to lead. You need righteousness—and that starts with submitting to God’s authority before expecting others to follow yours.

You’ve already walked through the fire. Now let your leadership reflect what you've learned from it: humility, justice, courage, and wisdom.

ENDEX:

Leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about impact. Proverbs 29:2 is your call to lead with the kind of righteousness that leaves people stronger, safer, and more hopeful. When God rules your heart, your leadership will bring peace to those you serve.

AAR:

How do you respond when leadership fails—or when it flourishes? Proverbs 29:2 lays out a battlefield truth: “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” You’ve served under both types. You’ve felt the difference in morale, in mission clarity, and in the weight on your back. So ask yourself—what kind of influence are you using right now? Whether you’re leading a squad, a family, or just yourself, are you carrying that authority with righteousness or control? Leadership always leaves a wake. Is yours bringing relief… or groaning?

Bringing the Weight of Leadership With Righteous Hands

You’ve seen leaders who led with integrity—and others who weaponized their rank. Proverbs 29:2 speaks directly to that tension. For the combat veteran, this verse reframes leadership not as a right, but as a responsibility. Righteous leaders bring structure, peace, and a sense of purpose to those under them. Wicked leadership creates confusion, oppression, and burnout. You weren’t trained just to follow—you were trained to lead well when your time came. And whether that’s in your home, your community, or your crew, the call is the same: lead in a way that makes others stronger. Don’t carry your influence lightly. Let it be the kind that brings joy to those around you—not a burden they have to survive. That’s the mark of a warrior who leads with honor.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.