Lessons in Leadership from Isaiah

Abstract

The present social and economic situation in the United States does not bode well for what the future may have in store for this great nation. Income inequality and stagnation, skyrocketing deficits, health care, and education seem to be listlessly addressed, when they should be the defining bullets of the national dialogue. This is not the first great empire to be in danger of an interior collapse; numerous ancient empires have succumbed to such a breakdown. This paper will examine the words of Isaiah, whose prophecy of impending doom as well as hope, is relevant to Americans today as it was to ancient Israel more than 2,700 years ago. America can restore its once esteemed status and moral leadership by heeding the words of this old and wise prophet. One of his key messages was: “No peace and prosperity without economic and social justice."

Keywords: Isaiah, moral leadership, income inequality, income stagnation, oppression of the poor, world peace

JEL Classification: M12, M14, J50, M54