Have you ever wondered why some cultures flourish and why others do not? Why some cities are safe and others are not? Why some companies are great places to work, and others are not? The answer is typically related to the kinds of men and women who lead those nations, cities and companies.
What Are Tsaddiqim?
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “tsaddiq” (plural: “tsaddiqim”) describes the best kind of people—those who make their surroundings flourish and increase God’s kingdom on earth. These words capture biblical truth:
“The whole city rejoices when the godly succeed. Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper.”
Characteristics of Godly Leaders
Tsaddiqim are leaders who are:
- Humbly fearing God
- Respecting God’s holiness
- Regularly experiencing the love and awesome power of God
- Seeking to glorify God in all they do
- Generous toward others
- Edifying in their speech, thoughts, and actions
It is a pleasure to be around such people and they are good for a city. Their success overflows naturally to other people, so those other people can also rejoice.
Stewardship and Kingdom Work
In Genesis, God calls all people to be stewards of His creation, taking appropriate responsibility to care for the world around us. As we live with this responsibility in the context of God’s kingdom, we must understand that each of us is designed differently and has a unique role to play.
When cities begin to prosper through the leadership of tsaddiqim practicing good stewardship, the effect is felt throughout the city. As prospering grows and more leaders become tsaddiqim, general flourishing can be observed. Because cities influence nations, flourishing can be spread throughout a nation.
