Lesson 8 - Government

PROVERBS

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34).

Proverbs 16:10 tells us, "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment." This passage is not claiming that all judgments of rulers are infallible, but that the right of a duly appointed official to pass a sentence is a divinely given role. This is exactly what Paul teaches in Romans 13:1-7. Proverbs also provides some other insight into those who exercise their authority in government.

Though rulers play an important role in shaping the affairs of life, we must never forget that God is in charge and no one can overrule what God seeks to doe. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will" (21:1). "Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD" (29:26).

We are also informed of how the righteous conduct of a nation can cause it to be a greater nation and how immorality can lower and ultimately destroy it. "When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked" (11:10,11). "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (14:34). "When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden" (28:12).

Wisdom tells us how important it is to ruling authorities: "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth" (8:15,16). "For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged" (28:2). Wise rule requires several things:

Ruler Must Be Morally Upright - "It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness" (16:12). "Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy" (20:28). "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (29:2). "Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted" (31:3-5).

Properly Administering Justice - The power of an official has an extraordinary effect on his subjects. "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes" (20:8). The stand he takes can have great influence on others. He must administer justice with several considerations:

The duty to judge carefully. "He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him" (18:17). "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter" (25:2).

Impartial judgment. "The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever" (29:14). "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (31:8,9).

Don't overthrow the righteous. "Also to punish the just is not good" (17:26a). "It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment" (18:5). "These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them" (24:23-25).

Punish evildoers. "When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting" (11:10). "A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them" (20:26). "It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity" (21:15).

Don't accept bribes. "A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment" (17:23). "The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it" (29:4).

Use worthy advisors. "Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war" (20:18). "Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness" (24:4-5). "If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked" (29:12).

True Success of a Ruler - "In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince" (14:28). "For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged" (28:2).

Likewise, Proverbs talks to those who make up a nation about their attitude toward those in authority.

Stay Obedient to the Law - "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass" (19:12). "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul" (20:2). "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king" (24:21:a). "The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame" (14:35).

Association with Rulers - "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat" (23:1-3). "Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen" (25:6,7). "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone" (25:15).

Questions:

1. How is the heart of a ruler in the hand of God (21:1)?

2. Why does sin and righteousness have such an effect on the status of a city or nation?

3. Name some things that constitute unjust judgment on the part of a ruler.

4. What is the purpose of punishing evildoers?

5. What are the marks of a successful ruler?

[Introduction to Proverbs] [Lesson 1-The Value of Wisdom] [Lesson 2-What it Means to be a Fool]
[Lesson 3- Relationship with God] [Lesson 4- Relationship with Fellowman] [Lesson 5- Marriage Relationship]
[Lesson 6-Problem of Adultery] [Lesson 7- Parent/Child Relationship] [Lesson 9 - Money and_Labor]
[Lesson 10-Self-Control] [Lesson 11-Rewards/Consequences]

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Page last updated: March 03, 2003