There are two principles of uninspired leadership disclosed here. The first principle is to “poison by degrees” (v. 18). Small amounts of poison are palatable whether administered physically, verbally, or intellectually. The victims are unaware of the poison until they are overcome. How many people are hooked on pornography or intellectual aposta sy in one dose? Gradual exposure is addictive if no antidote is given.
The second principle of uninspired leadership in these verses is fraud. Fraud must be carefully planned and usually requires an accomplice to avoid disclosure. The servants of Amalickiah were a part of the dastardly murder of the Lamanite king (vv. 22–26). How many innocent people are victimized by the plots of wicked men (v. 29)? How many good unassuming people are led to support evil leaders (v. 30)?