DEUT5 [A position of] authority is nothing less than a great burden mounted on the shoulders of the one who is carrying it. As long as one is [merely] an individual living among his people and mingling with [other] individuals, he is only responsible for himself [his own deeds]. Yet once he is raised to [a position of] authority and power, he becomes responsible for everyone who is under his rule and dominion, because it is his duty to oversee all of them – to guide them toward knowledge and understanding and to steer their deeds [along the] right [path]. But if [that ideal is] not [achieved], the Sages apply the words ואשמם בראשיכם -- "And their guilt is on your heads" (Devarim Rabbah 1:10). [This phrase derives from [this verse], ואשימם בראשיכם - "And [I] appointed them [as] your leaders over you." As for honor, it is no more than the greatest of vanities, leading a person away from himself and from his Master and causing him to totally disregard his duty. One who is cognizant of this will surely spurn and despise it. And the praises that people give him will weigh heavily upon him, for when he sees how they amplify their praises for what in reality he does not possess, he will feel only shame and will sigh over the fact that he not only has to contend with his own misfortune (his lack of these virtues) but also with the false praise that people heap upon him, which further adds to his shame.