Author: Christian Channel

Daily Bible Study
In this verse, God gives us practical wisdom for everyday life. Wisdom our forefathers no doubt understood well because of the environment they lived in. When this verse speaks about the king it is speaking about any governmental authority. In addition, it can be applied to all levels of civil authority as well. Before we get too far, we must understand that in this passage the Bible is not justifying every action taken by those in charge. Rather, the Bible is helping us to understand that people who resist authority, more often than not, injure themselves. The Bible is helping us to understand the reality of the fallen humanity we live in. When we place ourselves at enmity with governmental authorities, we run the risk of personal, financial and social loss. At the time this proverb was written that threat also included death and torture. Therefore, going against kings, princes and rulers resulted in injury, which was often physical, financial and otherwise. Why? Because leaders good and bad will not long tolerate those who resist their rule.

Leaders will not for long tolerate those who on a regular basis question their authority, undermine their rule and deliberately try to cause chaos in society, in an effort to thwart or undermine their rule. Therefore, we walk in the guidance of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, we do not provoke those who are in charge over us. We know that bad regimes and evil leaders exist. Moreover, the Bible is not telling us here to obey and follow things we know are wrong or to hurt others. Instead the Bible helps us to understand we must consider our actions and weigh the consequences before we act, we must consider the damages that our actions can bring upon ourselves, our families and the people around us. And we must consider what the Apostle Paul told us, which is to be at peace with all people, as much as it's in our power to do so, and to first and foremost submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our day to day lives. In addition, we must remember what Jesus told us, that we should place our thoughts and actions on helping those in need, helping those around us and shining as a light of the Gospel to the world around us. Which includes helping the poor, defending the weak and searching out those who do not know the saving power of the Gospel of Christ. If we are to suffer loss and injury, it should be while carrying out God's will, doing good, helping those in need and spreading the Gospel of Christ to the lost.