Wise Words for Rulers
We had our first official “snow day” here in Colorado. Schools were closed, flights cancelled and navigating road ways proved to be a challenge. So, for me it was a good day to stay put. Fortunately, I had some neighbors help me with clearing the six inches of snow or more that had accumulated on our driveway. Debbie left early this morning and fortunately was able to come home a little early.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” Proverbs 31:8,9 ERV
There are many guidelines for those who would be in positions of authority. During a political campaign many promises are made and often the integrity of an individual becomes the focus of political ads. However, these basic words of counsel from Solomon to his son carry significant weight, not only for his day but for ours.
The first thing Solomon says is, “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.” When it comes to political influence having the “ear” of policy makers is what individuals and interest groups seek. However, Solomon says wise leaders don’t just pay attention to those whose “voice is the loudest” but those who cannot speak for themselves. In our present day this has significant application for the unborn.
Solomon then says to, “help people who are in trouble.” So often government systems can create additional problems for those who are experiencing unexpected hardships. For example, I learned of the issues that can compound for those whose homes are destroyed by fire. Those people are not only responsible for the ongoing mortgage payment on a house that doesn’t exist, but also for the property taxes on those homes. When I was in the legislature we passed some laws that provided some relief to people in those situations.
Solomon says, “Stand up for what is right, judge people fairly.” In Solomon’s day and in cultures outside of ours bribes of leaders can be almost expected. In the Law of Moses we find these instructions, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.“ (Lev. 19:15 NIV) Doing what is right oppose to what is politically expedient is a challenge in all times.
Finally, Solomon says, “Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” It is interesting the frequent appearance of verses in Proverbs related to not stealing from the poor. This may have more application to the “working poor” than the homeless. The bottom line challenge is all individuals are to be treated fairly and equally. The little that the poor have is to be respected and guarded. Our county treasurer has shared about her efforts to help to the degree possible those who are poor to meet their property tax obligations. I believe this is the type of sensitivity that Solomon is addressing. The poor are not to be treated with “special” rights, but the rights they have are to be protected and respected.
These words of advice for “wise rulers” are good words of advice for all people. Once again we find some timeless counsel from the world’s wisest King.