Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes – and perhaps the thread continues, with this warning against acting emotionally, on irrational impulse, and committing yet another act of foolishness that will later be regretted, such as angrily resigning our post when disciplined as a result of an unwise action or decision.

Studies of the lives of successful people in all walks of life have shown that the main characteristic that sets them apart from the failures is the ability to react in a positive and calm fashion to a set-back -- then systematically set about sorting the situation out, rather than giving up in a fit of frustration. In Solomon’s parable, the man who quits his post is reacting negatively, and immaturely resigning his post is just about the most dramatic but foolish way he can think of in order to vent his frustration. Leaders are made of sterner stuff.

Are we too easily provoked, Solomon seems to be saying – and, in a clever reversal, are we actually controlled by our own emotions, so that they, like the ruler, also exercise authority over us? In other words, are we fully in control of our feelings, or do we let our heart rule our head?

Can we deal diplomatically with such situations, learn to placate the ruler, then argue our case with calmness and reason instead? The calm mind retains the ability to reason and think more clearly.

Perhaps the theme of assessing potential leaders continues with a different focus – as Solomon describes a more formal situation, one that tests the mettle of a man who has risen to occupy a post and is evidently being corrected for some kind of mistake, namely their ability to accept correction. It has been said that before a man can be trusted to exercise authority over other people, he must first learn to accept and cooperate with the authority of those in authority over him.

After many years studying and interviewing some of America’s most successful business leaders a century ago, Napoleon Hill found that one of their key characteristics was the ability to learn from adversity and defeat – to be able to stay calm, as Solomon suggests, and to systematically search for solutions, rather than acting emotionally, rashly and foolishly in the way that most people would.

As the Early Christian Church grew, so did the problems of communication and management, and in particular the need for suitably qualified and trustworthy ministers or “pastors” to look after, feed and also protect the expanding flock of new believers – probably the most important job any man can aspire to.

Apart from a sound knowledge of Christian doctrine, the most important qualifications were those of a sound, trustworthy character, as Paul makes clear in his letter to Titus, who was based on the island of Crete, when he says, Quote: “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders [overseers, bishops] in every town, as I directed you” (Titus 1:5) – adding, in words reminiscent of those of Solomon: “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick tempered . . . one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” (ibid, verses 7-8).

Notice that the ruler’s anger is not instantaneous but rises or builds up, like a head of steam in a boiler – and perhaps Solomon is stressing the need for us to be very discerning of the impact our words and actions may be having on the emotions of other people.

Then, as now, it seems, sound, proven character was of paramount importance in any who aspire to positions of leadership in any organization, but especially in the Church of God.