Read
10Rulers speak with authority
and are never wrong.
11The Lord watches to see
if we are fair
or if we cheat others.
12Justice makes rulers powerful.
They should hate evil
13and like honesty and truth.
14An angry ruler
can put you to death.
So be wise!
Don't make one angry.
15When a ruler is happy
and pleased with you,
it's like refreshing rain,
and you will live.
Reflect
Do you remember the first opportunity you had to vote? Voting is a privilege and a responsibility that comes with being a citizen of Canada. For as long as I can remember, governments have been maligned for their decisions. Ultimately, we desire what is best for ourselves and when the government does not give it to us, we can become upset or even unruly.
As a king, Solomon wanted to be a good leader. This passage of Scripture outlines some godly wisdom for kings (political leaders), and also gives wisdom for most of the population who will never be king.
Imagine a king or political leader whose spoken judgments were like the very words of God being declared. Imagine a political leader whose honesty and integrity ruled the day, where justice was sought for those who have been wronged, where a leader could not be bought by lobbying or personal financial gain, and where the leader is only bringing life and joy to his citizens.
These are some of the character traits that Solomon teaches as the traits of the wise king.
A partnership is required for leadership like this to become a reality. Imagine a citizen who faithfully prayed for his or her leaders to have these traits. Imagine a citizen who always dealt with honesty and only spoke what is right (as opposed to speaking what will bring personal gain).
God has established political authority. Wisdom reminds leaders how to become great and citizens how to help build great leaders.
Respond
Father God. Today, I pray for our Prime Minister, my Member of Parliament, and all others who have political leadership in our country, province, and community. May you give them wisdom in their role, and give me wisdom to live as a faithful citizen.
Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is Co-Lead Pastor of Forward Church – a multisite church in the Waterloo Region area of Ontario. He previously served as President of Promise Keepers Canada | Impactus – a global ministry equipping men for a life of purpose and godly impact. Kirk is married to Shannon and together, they have four adult children and two daughters-in-law.