When rulers are unruly
"The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18)
March 1, 2025
Recently, I've been immersed in the wisdom literature of the Bible, and specifically, reading the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. There's a lot in those books about rulers and kings, and though I don't often comment on political issues, these passages are politically relevant.
Kings and rulers are to rule justly, act impartially, and uphold righteousness: "It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness." (Proverbs 16:12; cf 20:8; 29:4, 14) Rulers are to be guided by wisdom: "By me [wisdom] kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly." (Proverbs 8:15-16) In the NT James gives us a description of what wisdom looks like: "...pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:13-18).
Lately, in our country the political pendulum has swung back to conservatism in a loud way. Previously, we were treated to the Theater of the Left (as bizarre as that was), and now it's the Theater of the Right, complete with chainsaws held aloft. Whereas I'm thankful for the reaffirmation of a few biblical values, the rule of a nation requires well-reasoned principles of justice, of right and wrong all across the board.
The rule of law -- aka Lex Rex -- is often more mundane and less dramatic than a televised shouting match at the White House. Wisdom requires patience, careful listening, and thoughtful discernment, and a commitment to do what is right and true.
King Solomon warns us, "When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food." (Proverbs 23:1-3) That's pretty realistic advice coming from a king! And here are a few more verses I highlighted from Proverbs:
"It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud." (16:19)
"Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (16:32)
"Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you." (23:10-11)
"Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days." (28:15-16)
"By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down." (29:4)
"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked." (29:11-12)
"Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice." (29:26)
Apply these verses as you see fit. They stood out to me as particularly relevant. And remember that the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, to be respectful, and to obey the law. It does not tell us, however, to idolize our leaders and to approve their every whim or power play, no matter how dramatically presented. We are to be good citizens, not foolish partisans.
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And that's it for this week!
Sandy
Afterwords is an occasional newsletter on topics of interest to me (Sandy Young) since my retirement from full-time pastoral ministry. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.