In Robert Greene’s influential book, “The 48 Laws of Power,” the 7th law advises us to “Get Others to Do the Work for You, But Always Take the Credit.” It underscores the importance of effective delegation while ensuring you receive recognition for the outcomes. Yet, the pages of the Bible are replete with stories of individuals who disobeyed this principle, often with dire consequences. In this blog article, we’ll delve into the lives of biblical characters who ignored the 7th Law of Power and explore the lessons we can glean from their missteps.

1. King Herod: The King of Self-Glorification

King Herod serves as an archetypal example of a biblical character who violated the 7th Law of Power with catastrophic results. Herod was a ruler known for his relentless pursuit of personal glory and credit, often at the expense of others.

Consequences:
Herod’s obsession with credit-taking led him to order the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem upon hearing of Jesus’ birth. He viewed the newborn as a potential threat to his throne and sought to eliminate the competition. This cruel act not only stained his legacy with bloodshed but also failed to prevent the rise of Jesus as a revered religious figure. Herod’s extreme disregard for the lives of others in his quest for power ultimately resulted in his own downfall and disgrace.

2. Korah: The Rebel Leader

Korah’s story in the Book of Numbers is a striking illustration of the consequences of disobedience to the 7th Law of Power. Korah, a Levite, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, seeking greater recognition and leadership within the Israelite community.

Consequences:
Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron’s leadership was met with divine punishment. The earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his followers, a dramatic and fatal display of the consequences of his ambition to seize credit and authority. This event served as a stern warning against challenging established leadership and seeking undue recognition.

3. Haman: The Aggressor’s Overreach

Haman, a Persian official in the Book of Esther, epitomizes the disastrous outcomes that can result from disobeying the 7th Law of Power. Haman harbored a deep grudge against Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow before him.

Consequences:
Driven by his desire for personal recognition and revenge, Haman concocted a plan to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire. However, his scheme was thwarted through the bravery of Queen Esther and the intervention of Mordecai. In the end, Haman’s ruthless ambition led to his own downfall, as he was hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. His disregard for the lives of others and his obsession with personal glory ultimately sealed his fate.

4. Saul: The King’s Jealousy

The story of King Saul’s disobedience to the 7th Law of Power provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and credit-taking. Saul’s jealousy of the young and successful David led to a series of ill-fated decisions.

Consequences:
Saul’s obsession with receiving credit and recognition drove him to pursue David relentlessly, even though David had been anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel. This obsession consumed Saul, clouding his judgment and leading to a series of reckless actions. Ultimately, Saul and his sons were killed in battle, bringing an end to his reign. His inability to embrace David’s achievements and share credit ultimately led to his downfall.

Conclusion:

The Bible is a treasure trove of stories that teach us valuable lessons about human behavior, including the consequences of disobeying the 7th Law of Power. Characters like King Herod, Korah, Haman, and King Saul serve as stark examples of individuals who allowed their desire for personal recognition to blind them to the well-being of others and ultimately paid the price for their actions.

These biblical narratives remind us of the importance of humility, effective delegation, and the perils of excessive credit-taking. They caution against allowing ambition and jealousy to drive one’s decisions to the detriment of others. In the world of power dynamics, the Bible offers timeless wisdom that continues to resonate with contemporary lessons on leadership and the pursuit of recognition.