WISDOM OF PROVERBS 29:3
By Greg Hooker
Many people think it is wrong to mix religion and politics and I respect those individuals who believe that. But let’s take a look at what God has to say about the subject:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” - Proverbs 29:2
In this proverb we see two types of rulers. Keep in mind the Scripture at hand is referring to those who are set up by the people to govern and keep law and order such as governors, mayors, councilmen, etc.
The Greek word translated into “righteous” means a person who is good, just, lawful and correct. One who is righteous in government, in conduct and character, one that is vindicated by God. Not that they are perfect, but that they abide by the law and strive to enforce it.
A person with these qualities is often hard to find, especially in the world we live in today. However, God has them planted here and there and whatever they do flourishes and prospers. They are fulfilling their God-given duties and the Lord
blesses them accordingly. Their motives are to please the Creator and do what is best for their constitutes. What are the results? “...the people rejoice.”
The Greek word translated “rejoice” is yiś·maḥ meaning to make glad, to exult.
There is safety and security when the righteous are in authority and people live in harmony and rejoice.
“... but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
The Greek word used for “wicked” is rā·šā‘ meaning one who is a criminal, or guilty of crime. It also carries the thought of open hostility toward God, and guilty of sin against man and God. This word “wicked” is diametrically opposed to the word “righteous”. Thus it goes without saying that they would be complete opposites - such as light verses darkness. What are the results of a wicked ruler? They “morn”.
The Greek word used for “morn” is yê·’ā·naḥ and means groaning, sighing, pain and grief. A city with a “wicked” ruler will digress into despair, unrest, lawlessness, insecurity, corruption, looting, rioting, and eventually utter chaos. They are quick to place the blame on someone else for their inability to do what is right. Sound familiar?
Look around our country and apply this Proverb to what is occurring daily, and keep in mind, this is God speaking to us. We are warned of this in 2 Timothy 3:1,
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.“
My friends, the Bible is our sole source of truth. It has the answer to every need of mankind. The question is; will we heed its advice, or continue in our own wisdom and pay the price in the end. We the people have the grave responsibility to elect officials of good report and character. That, according to this proverb, is our duty and responsibility.
By Greg Hooker
Many people think it is wrong to mix religion and politics and I respect those individuals who believe that. But let’s take a look at what God has to say about the subject:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” - Proverbs 29:2
In this proverb we see two types of rulers. Keep in mind the Scripture at hand is referring to those who are set up by the people to govern and keep law and order such as governors, mayors, councilmen, etc.
- WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS RULE
The Greek word translated into “righteous” means a person who is good, just, lawful and correct. One who is righteous in government, in conduct and character, one that is vindicated by God. Not that they are perfect, but that they abide by the law and strive to enforce it.
A person with these qualities is often hard to find, especially in the world we live in today. However, God has them planted here and there and whatever they do flourishes and prospers. They are fulfilling their God-given duties and the Lord
blesses them accordingly. Their motives are to please the Creator and do what is best for their constitutes. What are the results? “...the people rejoice.”
The Greek word translated “rejoice” is yiś·maḥ meaning to make glad, to exult.
There is safety and security when the righteous are in authority and people live in harmony and rejoice.
- WHEN THE WICKED RULE
“... but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
The Greek word used for “wicked” is rā·šā‘ meaning one who is a criminal, or guilty of crime. It also carries the thought of open hostility toward God, and guilty of sin against man and God. This word “wicked” is diametrically opposed to the word “righteous”. Thus it goes without saying that they would be complete opposites - such as light verses darkness. What are the results of a wicked ruler? They “morn”.
The Greek word used for “morn” is yê·’ā·naḥ and means groaning, sighing, pain and grief. A city with a “wicked” ruler will digress into despair, unrest, lawlessness, insecurity, corruption, looting, rioting, and eventually utter chaos. They are quick to place the blame on someone else for their inability to do what is right. Sound familiar?
Look around our country and apply this Proverb to what is occurring daily, and keep in mind, this is God speaking to us. We are warned of this in 2 Timothy 3:1,
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.“
My friends, the Bible is our sole source of truth. It has the answer to every need of mankind. The question is; will we heed its advice, or continue in our own wisdom and pay the price in the end. We the people have the grave responsibility to elect officials of good report and character. That, according to this proverb, is our duty and responsibility.