Monday, December 7, 2015

Proverbs 20: Some Things About Kings

In addition to being a book of teachings and instruction about life and commerce, Proverbs also includes many lessons about those who, like Solomon, hold the responsibilities of royal rule.

Chapter 20 includes several of these snippets that apply to kings, such as:

  • "The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself" (vs. 2).
  • "A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes" (vs. 8).
  • "A wise king winnows the wicked, and drives the wheel over them" (vs. 26).
  • "Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by righteousness" (vs. 28).

Solomon's teaching about kings emphasizes what their duties are supposed to be: to administer justice within the kingdom.  They are to judge evil and promote good.  As a king himself, Solomon, the son of David, has a robust view of what a king should do and be.

"Should" is probably the operative word here.  When a king governs rightly, it is a joy and blessing to the people.  The reign of David and Solomon are celebrated so widely because, for the most part, they were good kings who had the best interest of their nation at heart.  But such was not always the case.  The prophet Samuel warned the Israelites about the darker side of having a king, and the cost that the citizens were sure to pay in taxes and blood.  The best form of government is said to be a benevolent dictator, while the worst is a malevolent tyrant.

Reading this book can give a picture of what a healthy state of royal affairs would look like.  Hopefully more kings and rulers will read Proverbs and apply its lessons to their lives!


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