Weakness of Character: The Mother of All Badness

Joash's tragic descent offers a portrait of moral collapse through sheer imbecility rather than deliberate wickedness. For thirty years, under the guardianship of the High Priest Jehoiada, the king remained faithful to his conscience and duty. But when that strong arm was removed by death, the princes of Judah approached him on his weak side. Without the scaffolding of Jehoiada's noble influence, Joash proved a reed shaken by the wind.…