The book of Proverbs has much to teach us about how a country functions optimally when we have a combination of good leaders and responsible citizens.
A WELL-ORDERED SOCIETY (Proverbs 29)
In Romans 13 the state is described as the servant of God which wields His authority. In Revelation 13 it is pictured as the red dragon and the ally of the devil which persecutes believers. Depending on whether the state remains within its God given limits or transgresses them will determine whether it truly functions as the servant of God or as an instrument of Satan. We can summarise what Solomon has to teach us about this important subject under two headings.
- A WELL ORDERED SOCIETY HAS WISE RULERS
The book of Proverbs has a few things to teach us about wise rulers. Firstly, wise leaders are careful to cultivate integrity. In Proverbs 28:28 we are told, when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Clearly, when leaders choose to use their position to serve, the people flourish. The opposite is painfully true as well. In Proverbs 29:2, 4 Solomon says, when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan . . . By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. As South Africans we have experienced both sides of this coin. In more recent months we have had ample opportunity to thank the Lord for the decisive leadership of our president Cyril Ramaphosa and his cabinet. Their decision to respond quickly to the COVID-19 crisis gave our medical officials critical time to prepare themselves for the inevitable spike in Covid infections. However, in recent history we have also experienced the effects of poor leadership. The word of the year in South African media in 2019 was “Zondo Commission.” It was used over 30 000 times. This is a painful reminder of the relentless pursuit of state capture in the Zuma years. The economic fall-out during his tenure as president has led to much groaning. Secondly, wise leaders are careful to display concern for the oppressed. In Proverbs 28:3 we read, a ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Again, in Proverbs 29:14 we are told, if a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. We have already seen that the Zondo Commission was the word of the year in our media houses last year. The second most frequently used phrase was “gender-based violence” which highlights the ongoing scourge directed at the women of our country. Good leaders are quick to protect vulnerable groups in society whether they be women, or the alien, or the economically challenged. Thirdly, Solomon insists that wise leaders will promote law and order among their people. In Proverbs 25:4, 5 we read, remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. - A WELL-ORDERED SOCIETY HAS GODLY CITIZENS
A well-ordered society does not only depend on wise rulers. It also is dependent on an abundance of godly citizens. Firstly, godly citizens are careful to pray for their leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 the apostle Paul urges us, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. How can we direct our prayers for our leaders and so fulfil this command? In Proverbs 16:13 Solomon reminds us that kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. Again, in Proverbs 29:12 Solomon warns, if a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Any leader needs to be surrounded by fellow leaders who are not sycophants and will be courageous enough to speak their minds for the well being of the country. Secondly, Solomon insists that godly citizens are eager to promote the welfare of their nations. In Proverbs 11:11 he says, through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Again, in Proverbs 14:34 he insists that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. As we review history it is clear that believers have always been salt in society. In the first century world they would rescue children exposed outside the city walls. In the 19th century Christian leaders like Wilberforce campaigned for the abolition of slavery. Shaftesbury’s leveraged his influence to curtail child labour in mines. Elizabeth Fry campaigned for prison reform. George Mueller was moved by the plight of orphans and the desperation of workhouses to establish orphanages. Thirdly, godly citizens live in submission to their rulers. The testimony of the New Testament is consistent in this regard. In 1 Peter 3, Romans 13 and Titus 3 believers are consistently enjoined to live in submission to our leaders. The only reason why we are excused from this requirement is if by obeying our leaders would involve us in disobeying God (Acts 5:29). The book of Proverbs has much to say to leaders and people respectively.