April 11, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#5. The Wisdom of Good Citizenship…
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2
Proverbs is a compilation of a father’s (and mother’s) advice to his (her) son. It is therefore a _PRACTICAL_ document that we can all learn from. It just so happens that the father, Solomon, is the King of Israel; and the son, though unnamed, is Solomon’s heir. Proverbs, then, is also a _POLITICAL_ document. It lays down the standards for the behavior, demeanor, and integrity of civil authorities. It also has much to say about the expectations a king has of his citizens. When understood this way, we come away with a clear picture (God’s view) of the relationship between the citizen and the state. We might even go so far as to say that the Book of Proverbs is a timeless _VOTER’S_GUIDE_ that we should consult, and comply with, every election cycle!
- As a good citizen, I am wise to…
- _RESPECT_ my civil authorities, recognizing that they are God’s appointed servants.
Fear the Lord and the king, my son,
and do not join with the rebellious,
for those two will send sudden destruction upon them…
Proverbs 24:21
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord;
He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.
Proverbs 21:1
- Obey the laws of the land, understanding that they are “ _LEGISLATED_” morality.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I (wisdom personified) hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;
by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule the earth…
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice…
Proverbs 8:13-15, 20
- _PARTICIPATE_ in the process, expecting to positively influence the outcome.
When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices…
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Proverbs 11:10, 11
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15
- As a good citizen, I expect my leaders to…
- understand that they do not _RULE_ subjects, but instead they _SERVE_ citizens.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment…
Proverbs 28:15, 16
- administer _JUSTICE_ in order to keep society orderly and safe.
The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth should not betray justice.
Proverbs 16:10
When justice is done,
it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
Proverbs 21:15
- administer justice _IMPARTIALLY_ , without regard for privilege or class.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and the needy.”
Proverbs 31:8, 9
To show partiality in judging is not good:
Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”-
peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.
But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them.
Proverbs 24:23-25
- govern with both personal and professional _INTEGRITY_.
“O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel-
not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer…”
Proverbs 31:2-4
A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.
Proverbs 17:23
Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
Proverbs 17:7
Remove the dross from the silver,
and out comes the material for the silversmith;
remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
Proverbs 25:4, 5
- _PROTECT_ the country from external enemies.
Make plans by seeking advice, if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Proverbs 20:18
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the Lord.
Proverbs 21:31
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