Fr. Mauritius Wilde discusses the virtue of soberness in leadership as described in the Rule of St. Benedict and Scripture. Soberness, understood as clarity and openness to truth, is essential for effective leadership, preventing decisions clouded by emotions like anger, pride, or envy. St. Benedict states the need for a leader’s inner peace, prudence, and mercy, as well as the need to create an environment where others can also find peace. Drawing on examples from Scripture, sober leaders not only make sound decisions but also act as stabilizing figures, much like St. Peter, whom Christ called a rock for his steadfastness.

Fr. Mauritius connects soberness to practical guidance for both monastic and everyday leadership, including parenting in the domestic church. It’s important for leaders to become self-aware, manage their emotions, and lead by example, as their demeanor directly influences those they serve. Soberness combined with mercy fosters trust and enables leaders to discern wisely while addressing challenges with compassion. This virtue is a gift of service to others, shaping communities with integrity and peace.

“He must, therefore, be versed in the divine law, that he may know whence “to bring forth new things and old” (Mt 13:52). Let him be chaste, sober, and merciful, and let him always exalt “mercy above judgment” (Jas 2:13), that he also may obtain mercy.

Let him hate vice, but love the brethren. And even in his corrections, let him act with prudence and not go to extremes, lest, while he aimeth to remove the rust too thoroughly, the vessel be broken. Let him always keep his own frailty in mind, and remember that “the bruised reed must not be broken” (Is 42:3). In this we are not saying that he should allow evils to take root, but that he cut them off with prudence and charity, as he shall see it is best for each one, as we have already said; and let him aim to be loved rather than feared.

Let him not be fussy or over-anxious, exacting, or headstrong; let him not be jealous or suspicious, because he will never have rest. In all his commands, whether they refer to things spiritual or temporal, let him be cautious and considerate. Let him be discerning and temperate in the tasks which he enjoineth, recalling the discretion of holy Jacob who saith: “If I should cause my flocks to be overdriven, they would all die in one day” (Gen 33:13). Keeping in view these and other dictates of discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper everything that the strong may still have something to desire and the weak may not draw back. Above all, let him take heed that he keep this Rule in all its detail; that when he hath served well he may hear from the Lord what the good servant heard who gave his fellow-servants bread in season: “Amen, I say to you,” He saith,”he shall set him over all his goods” (Mt 24:47).

If, however, anyone is found to break this rule, let him undergo heavy punishment, unless the needs of guests should arise, or the Abbot should perhaps give a command to anyone. But let even this be done with the utmost gravity and moderation.”

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

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