Text: Proverbs 29:1-27
“The king” (Prov 29:4) by way of application can refer to our civil government. The role of the civil government is to protect the people, punish those who break the law, and promote equity, justice and peace. King Solomon in the book of Proverbs highlighted that those in authority must exercise wise rule and control over the people.
The qualities of a wise king are as follows:
1. The wise king is righteous (v 2)
It is important for those in authority to exercise righteousness continually. The outcome is that the people can rejoice. The civil government consists of unbelievers who do not know God, yet they cannot do what they like because they are bound by the laws and regulations. We should always pray for our civil government that it will exercise righteousness continually.
2. The wise king is just (v 4)
A wise king who is just will not be bribed. Those in authority can also show mercy. To show mercy is to pardon and not mete out the deserved punishment. Our God is righteous and just, and rightly we have to be punished for our sins. However, we receive mercy and are no longer condemned when we are in Christ. Jesus the Son of God has paid the penalty for our sins.
3. The wise king is honest (v 12)
Honesty is the best policy. A wise king pursues the truth, but a dishonest king will hearken to lies and his subjects under him will be wicked.
4. The wise king is faithful (v 14)
It is important for the wise king to be faithful in keeping the qualities of being righteous, just and honest. A faithful king will defend and protect the poor and helpless and leave behind a good heritage for his successor. The people will also remember him as a faithful king who exercises righteousness, justice and honesty.
The qualities of a wise king are as follows:
1. The wise king is righteous (v 2)
It is important for those in authority to exercise righteousness continually. The outcome is that the people can rejoice. The civil government consists of unbelievers who do not know God, yet they cannot do what they like because they are bound by the laws and regulations. We should always pray for our civil government that it will exercise righteousness continually.
2. The wise king is just (v 4)
A wise king who is just will not be bribed. Those in authority can also show mercy. To show mercy is to pardon and not mete out the deserved punishment. Our God is righteous and just, and rightly we have to be punished for our sins. However, we receive mercy and are no longer condemned when we are in Christ. Jesus the Son of God has paid the penalty for our sins.
3. The wise king is honest (v 12)
Honesty is the best policy. A wise king pursues the truth, but a dishonest king will hearken to lies and his subjects under him will be wicked.
4. The wise king is faithful (v 14)
It is important for the wise king to be faithful in keeping the qualities of being righteous, just and honest. A faithful king will defend and protect the poor and helpless and leave behind a good heritage for his successor. The people will also remember him as a faithful king who exercises righteousness, justice and honesty.
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