What does the Bible say about bad leadership?

14 verses about bad leadership, ranked by the votes of OpenBible.info readers, with the King James text.

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Bible verses about bad leadership

1. Proverbs 29:2 — When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 4 votes
2. Proverbs 16:12 — It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. 3 votes
3. Proverbs 29:12 — If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 3 votes
4. Jeremiah 23:1 — Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. 3 votes
5. 1 Timothy 3:1 — This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 3 votes
6. Proverbs 16:18 — Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 2 votes
7. Ezekiel 34:1 — And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 votes
8. Matthew 23:1 — Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 votes
9. Mark 10:42 — But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 2 votes
10. Acts 20:28 — Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 2 votes
11. Colossians 3:23 — And what soever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 2 votes
12. 1 Timothy 4:12 — Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 2 votes
13. 2 Timothy 2:24 — And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 votes
14. Hebrews 13:17 — Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 2 votes

Where these verses are

Proverbs (4), 1 Timothy (2), Jeremiah (1), Ezekiel (1), Matthew (1), Mark (1), Acts (1), Colossians (1), 2 Timothy (1), Hebrews (1)

Related topics

• Leadership
• Qualities Of A Good Leader
• Pastoral Responsibilities
• Leading By Example
• Removing Leaders
• Qualifications Of An Elder
• Serving The Church
• Pastors Authority In The Church
• Lead By Example
• Qualifications Of Elders
• Elders In The Church
• Being A Good Leader

Topical Bible data by OpenBible.info (https://www.openbible.info/topics/), CC BY 4.0. Votes reflect how many readers judged each verse relevant; they are not a doctrinal ranking. Verse text: King James Version.