Comment: In the days of old, it was considered shameful for a man to abuse official position through corrupt enrichment. Not only would his immediate family consider it a disgrace, his entire ancestral home would feel betrayed.

Unfortunately, values so lofty, have been discarded, by many people. These days, many of the man’s people would disown him, if he did not bring home, to “develop” his village, proceeds of his corrupt enrichment.  If he does, and the law of the land eventually catches up with him, it is not unusual to hear the community defend their son, as having done nothing wrong in bringing home their own “share of the national cake”

Ahab and his wife, Jezebel (I Kings 16:28-34; 21:1-26) and Ananias and his wife, Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), and Achan (Joshua 7:1-26) provide examples of how dishonesty and abuse of God-given privileges can lead to the ruin of an entire family. In the case of Nebuchadnezzar, it was only after his ego trip landed him in disgrace, that his “understanding returned unto” him. – Daniel 4:34. 

If a person in a position of authority or prestige engages in acts capable of bringing disrepute to that position, it is deemed that he or she has not shown understanding. Persons who occupy positions of authority, should understand that they hold such positions as sacred trusts on behalf of God. They should therefore exercise their authority in the fear of God. – 2 Samuel 23:3.