Letter to the editor: Wisdom, honesty among traits needed for president

What makes a good president? There are obviously many opinions when a topic like this arises, but there are some traits that every president should have, regardless of political party such as wisdom, honesty and being God-fearing. These are the traits every good president should have.

A good president should have wisdom. It is favorable to be wise, as a president must know how to make good decisions. Dictionary.reference.com describes wisdom as “Having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment or discretion.” Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.” These things summarize the wisdom a president should have.

Another trait a good president should have is honesty. Jose Marti said, “A child, from the time he can think, should think about all he sees, should suffer for all who cannot live with honesty, should work so that all men can be honest, and should be honest himself.” A good president should be honest so the American people can trust him.

Lastly, a good president should be God-fearing. A God-fearing president will have almost all other desirable traits because he obeys God. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” A president should always want to be on God’s side. Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” As the verse states — if we fear God and obey him, things will go well for us, and in this context, well for our president and our country.

Wisdom, honesty, and fearing God — all of these traits are the basic framework of a good president. There are many differences between presidents and their beliefs, but it is most important that a president should have these desirable traits if they wish to be a good leader.

Dakota Wagner

Tags: opinion, letters, politics