Scripture is not silent about rulers. Some of it is observation and some of it is direct command from God.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
his throne will be established forever.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
It’s pretty straight forward. There is great blessing for the people when leaders lead in righteousness and justice. And when they don’t, it is like a metallic taste in the mouth.
I think in the last several years I’ve appreciated so much more the righteousness and holiness of God. Seeing people judged unjustly has been hard to stomach. Seeing leaders cower in pleasing the people and do little to stop evil just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. We are in a time of revealing. Those who are leading with justice and righteousness are revealed as well as those who are barely even leading.
The Poor
Always the poor. God’s heart is so big for the poor. It comes up often in Scriptures.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
The Fools
Proverbs speaks a lot about fools, because foolish people are many. In this chapter, the fool is one who has no self-control over his emotions or his words:
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Fear of Man
This is just a really good verse to dwell on.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
