As a young banker I took a Dale Carnegie course on “Effective Public Speaking.” The first night we were asked to share why we were taking this course.

One person who spoke was a newly appointed union president. Through clenched teeth, and with rising intensity, this man said, “I’m taking this class because when I speak to the members of my labor union I want them to fear me and to do exactly what I tell them!”

His brief talk sent chills down my spine. The last thing he needed was more power and influence.

Proverbs 17:7 says, “Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!”

Be careful to avoid giving power and influence to someone exercising power for their own gain.