Proverbs 25:4-5 (ESV)
4 Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
The metal worker must remove impurities from his silver before he can create pieces. In the same way, wicked officials must be extracted from the king’s court for the ruler to lead with success. When those who are sinful and self-seeking are taken out of leadership, the realm thrives under just rule. When the ungodly are permitted to remain as advisors, their wicked thoughts infect and influence the decision-making of even the righteous rulers around them and the entire community suffers as a result. In the same way, when making decisions, it is wise to seek out the counsel of godly people. Choose to get input regarding your choices, but be sure the input you receive is from godly sources. Although it may be difficult, negative and divisive people must be removed from our inner circle. Lasting victory comes when leadership teams are focused on the welfare of their community rather than personal success.