The Scriptures, especially Proverbs, say a lot about rulers. It’s only fitting as Solomon himself was the most influential leader of his day and beyond. But there’s a common theme throughout. Leaders who lead righteously are a blessing to the people, and wicked, selfish leaders are an abomination.
Here are some of Solomon’s thoughts:
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter. As the heaven is high, and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated” (Prov 25:2-3).
This is one question that is prevalent right now. What is in the heart of the Russian leader as he shells Ukraine?
“Remove impurities from silver, and a vessel will be produced for a silversmith. Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness” (v. 4-5).
So true. Who a king surrounds himself with matters. Every leader is influenced by the people around him or her.
“A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” (v. 15).
Changing a ruler’s mind does not come quickly. Patience is a necessity. And gentleness, not abrasiveness is the key.
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There are some other proverbs in this chapter that resonate.
“Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot” (v. 19).
This is a proverb I would rather not know on a personal basis. How do you trust someone you don’t trust when there are no other options?
“Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda” (v. 20).
Isn’t this one true?! Somehow there’s a Christian culture that is just trust God, be happy, choose joy and move on. But some things take time to move on. I know a friend of mind from college who used to be a pastor. He got to the point in a hard time in his life where going to church wasn’t possible for him. Why? They only wanted to sing joyful, celebrations songs and sometimes he just needed lament.
“A righteous person who yields to the wicked is like a muddied spring or a polluted well” (v. 26).
Even the righteous are tempted to compromise in the face of great pressure. But doing so is disastrous. We are seeing that.
“A man who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down” (v. 28 – HCSB).
New International Version
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
New Living Translation
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
King James Bible
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
New King James Version
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
New American Standard Bible
Like a city that is broken into and without walls So is a person who has no self-control over his spirit.
This one is a powerful one to me, but it’s translations have different nuances. The Hebrew is a man who has self-control over his spirit. The implication is anger, but I think the implication can be much broader.
I think I resonate with this one as I find myself in it. My self-discipline and self-control have suffered, and because of it my life has suffered.
