abstract: a listing of the verses in Proverbs that directly relate to politics

Skip Navigation

by William Einwechter

The first part of this essay on "Proverbs and Politics" (published in the July - August, 2002 issue of The Christian Statesman) set forth the importance of Proverbs for a Christian understanding of politics.

The purpose of this section is to provide a listing of the verses in Proverbs that directly relate to politics. These verses will be categorized under six headings: Civil Justice; The Civil Magistrate; Civil Punishments; National Blessing and Cursing; Political Prudence; and The Triumph of the Righteous. In some cases it was difficult to decide on the best classification for a particular verse. In other instances it was hard to determine if a certain verse should be included in the listing at all. No doubt there will be some who differ with a few of the decisions reflected in the listing. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the presentation of the verses given here will prove a great help to Christians in realizing the wealth of political instruction in Proverbs and encourage much study and meditation of God's wisdom for politics revealed therein.

Civil Justice

One of the chief concerns of Proverbs is that men be just in all their dealings with others. According to Proverbs, justice and equity must mark all our personal actions and all our politics. The importance of justice is set forth in the purpose statement that opens the book (Prov. 1:2-6). Here it states that one of the goals of Proverbs is to instruct us in justice, judgment, and equity (Prov. 1:3). These three words all refer to that which is morally right because it conforms to the standard of God's law. The words justice and judgment are particularly used in the Old Testament in reference to righteousness in civil government and in the administration of justice by the civil magistrate (Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:16-17). Proverbs, as the rest of the Word of God, vigorously calls for justice in politics (Prov. 21:3; 11:1; Amos 5:15, 24).

Proverbs also declares that justice is from the Lord, and that men must learn the standards of equity from the mouth of the Lord, i.e., from the Word of God (Prov. 16:11; 29:26; 1:3; 2:9). The way of fools is to define justice for themselves, but they who fear the Lord meditate on God's Word and become trained in justice, judgment, and equity (1 Kings 3:9, 28).

Prov. 1:3

"To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity."

Prov. 2:9

"Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path."

Prov. 6:17

God hates "hands that shed innocent blood."

Prov. 6:19

God hates "a false witness that speaketh lies."

Prov. 11:1

"A false balance is abomination to the Lord : but a just weight is his delight."

Prov. 16:11

"A just weight and balance are the Lord 's: all the weights of the bag are his work."

Prov. 17:15

"He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord ."

Prov. 17:23

"A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment."

Prov. 18:5

"It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment."

Prov. 18:17

"He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him."

Prov. 19:28

"An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity."

Prov. 20:10

"Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord."

Prov. 20:23

"Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good."

Prov. 21:3

"To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Prov. 21:15

"It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

Prov. 22:22

"Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate."

Prov. 22:28

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."

Prov. 23:10

"Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless."

Prov. 24:11-12

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?"

Prov. 24:23

"These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment."

Prov. 29:26

"Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord."

The Civil Magistrate

The Book of Proverbs has much to say concerning the civil magistrate. Its theology of the civil ruler is in full agreement with the rest of Scripture, and it helps to demonstrate that every civil magistrate in every nation has the same calling and is accountable to rule by the same standard. The Word of God is emphatic in its teaching that all civil government derives its authority from God and that the civil ruler is God's minister appointed by Him to punish the wicked and protect the righteous (Rom. 13:1-6; Prov. 16:10; 17:26; 20:26). As God's ministers they are to judge as He would judge (Deut. 1:17) for they stand in the place of God (2 Chron. 19:6-7). The standard for all rulers and judges is the law of God (Deut. 17:18-20; Prov. 28:4; 31:8-9), and they are called to emulate God's throne by ruling in righteousness and godly wisdom (Ps. 47:8; 97:2; Prov. 8:15-16, 20; 16:12). Proverbs also emphasizes the blessing of righteous rulers and the great calamity of wicked civil leaders (Prov. 28:15-16; 29:2).

Prov. 8:14-17, 20

"Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.... I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment."

Prov. 16:10-12

"A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. A just weight and balance are the Lord 's: all the weights of the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness."

Prov. 17:7

"Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince."

Prov. 20:8

"A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes."

Prov. 20:26

"A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them."

Prov. 20:28

"Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."

Prov. 24:24-25

"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them."

Prov. 25:2

"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."

Prov. 25:3

"The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable."

Prov. 25:5

"Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness."

Prov. 28:2

"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged."

Prov. 28:4

"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them."

Prov. 28:12

"When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden."

Prov. 28:15

"As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people."

Prov. 28:16

"The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."

Prov. 28:28

"When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase."

Prov. 29:2

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

Prov. 29:4

"The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it."

Prov. 29:8

"Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath."

Prov. 29:12

"If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked."

Prov. 29:14

"The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever."

Prov. 31:4-5

"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted."

Prov. 31:8-9

"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."

Civil Punishments

As God's minister the civil magistrate is required to punish the wicked (Prov. 20:26). The primary source for the definition of crimes and the just punishment of crimes is the law of Moses (Heb. 2:2). The Book of Proverbs requires all judges and rulers to punish crime in accord with Israel's civil law when it calls them to execute righteous judgment, i.e., judgment by the standard of God's law. There is no indication in the text of Proverbs that the righteous judgment that God requires of Israelite rulers is different from the righteous judgment that He requires of Gentile rulers--all are held to the same rule of equity, justice, and judgment.

The demands of justice are fulfilled when the right penalty for a crime is inflicted on the guilty. The right, i.e., the just, penalty is determined by the Lord who is the Judge of all the earth (Gen. 18:25; Ps. 96:13), and He reveals the just penalty to men in His Word. Proverbs teaches that these penalties are trans-cultural and binding on all nations. Therefore, Proverbs upholds the provisions of justice revealed in the civil law codes of Israel.

In particular, Proverbs fully maintains the justice of the law of Moses by calling for the death penalty for murder (Ex. 21:12, 14; Num. 35:30-31; Prov. 28:17); 1 restitution for theft (Ex. 22:1-4; Prov. 6:30-31); 2 punishment of a false witness (Deut. 19:16-21; Prov. 19:5); and corporal punishment of criminals (Deut. 25:1-3; Prov. 19:29; 20:30; 26:2). An important contribution of Proverbs to the biblical teaching on civil justice is its emphasis on the rod as a means of punishment which will control crime by driving the urge to commit evil from the hearts of wicked men.

Prov. 6:30-31

"Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house."

Prov. 7:22

"He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks."

Prov. 10:13

"In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding."

Prov. 17:26

"Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity."

Prov. 19:5

"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."

Prov. 19:29

"Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools."

Prov. 20:30

"The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly."

Prov. 21:11

"When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge."

Prov. 26:3

"A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back."

Prov. 28:17

"A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him."

Political Prudence

How can Christians retake control of politics in their country? Where can the righteous find the necessary counsel on how to establish their dominion in the "gates"? The Book of Proverbs provides answers to these questions. Proverbs teaches Christians the path of political wisdom. It instructs them on how to order their family (Prov. 31:23, 31); the need for personal righteousness, wisdom, and a knowledge of God's law (Prov. 16:13; 21:22; 24:7; 28:1, 4; 29:18); the necessity of diligence and financial freedom (Prov. 12:24; 22:7, 29); the importance of wise counsel and multiple counselors (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6); the significance of being fruitful in regard to children (Prov. 14:28); the way to behave in the presence of rulers (Prov. 23:1-3; 25:6-7); the means to persuade a ruler (Prov. 25:15); the wisdom of not unnecessarily provoking the anger of a king (Prov. 16:14; 19:12; 20:2); the avoidance of revolution and revolutionaries (Prov. 24:21-22); and the sovereignty of God over the king (Prov. 21:1 ), and, therefore, the effectiveness of prayer for the righteous (Prov. 15:29).

Prov. 11:14

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Prov. 12:24

"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute."

Prov. 14:28

"In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince."

Prov. 14:35

"The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame."

Prov. 15:22

"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."

Prov. 15:29

"The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."

Prov. 16:13

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right."

Prov. 16:14-15

"The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain."

Prov. 19:10

"Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes."

Prov. 19:12

"The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass."

Prov. 20:2

"The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul."

Prov. 20:18

"Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war."

Prov. 21:1

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord , as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

Prov. 21:22

"A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof."

Prov. 22:3

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."

Prov. 22:7

"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

Prov. 22:11

"He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend."

Prov. 22:29

"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."

Prov. 23:1-3

"When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat."

Prov. 24:6

"For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Prov. 24:7

"Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate."

Prov. 24:21-22

"My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?"

Prov. 25:6-7

"Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen."

Prov. 25:15

"By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone."

Prov. 28:1

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Prov. 28:4-5

"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things."

Prov. 29:18

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Prov. 31:23

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."

Prov. 31:31

"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

National Blessing and Cursing

A definite and consistent teaching of the Bible is that, on the one hand, God visits calamity and destruction on wicked nations, while on the other hand, He brings peace and prosperity to nations that honor Him and keep His law (Deut. 28:1-68; Ps. 2:10-12; 9:17; 33:12; Jer. 18:7-10; 30:19; Rev. 6:12-17; 11:18). Proverbs affirms this teaching on national blessing and cursing. It instructs all nations that righteousness (conformity to God's law) brings blessing, while sin (transgression of God's law) brings a fearful curse.

Prov. 3:33

"The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just."

Prov. 11:10-11

"When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked."

Prov. 14:34

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Prov. 21:31

"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord."

Prov. 28:2

"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged."

The Triumph of the Righteous

In politics there is the constant struggle between good and evil, between justice and injustice, between the righteous and the unrighteous. The question is: Who will ultimately triumph in history? Will the righteous be victorious in the struggle for dominion, or shall the wicked ultimately bear rule? The Book of Proverbs gives a clear answer. Proverbs teaches that the righteous will triumph!

The Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ will defeat all His enemies and extend His righteous reign to all nations before He returns at the end of the age (Ps. 2:7-9; 110:1-7; Isa. 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:24-25). 3 The Bible also proclaims that Christ established His kingdom at His first coming, and, although it had a small beginning, His righteous kingdom will gradually and irresistibly increase until it encompasses all nations (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:35, 44; Matt. 13:31-33). 4 Certainly, as the body of Christ, the people of God will share in this victory. The people of God constitute His blood-bought army (Ps. 110:3; Rev. 19:13-15) and with Him and through Him they will triumph over the wicked in history and on earth.

Proverbs makes an important contribution to this doctrine. First, the book shows the place of God's sanctions in history. The Lord will judge and destroy the wicked and bless and promote the righteous in accord with their disobedience and obedience (Prov. 10:24-25, 29; 12:7; 13:13). The long-term effects of these sanctions are stated in Proverbs (Prov. 4:18-19; 14:11). Second, Proverbs indicates that the wicked cannot ultimately succeed because their wicked ways carry with them the seeds of their own destruction (Prov. 4:19; 11:5).

This doctrine of victory is of the greatest encouragement to Christians in their service for Christ as they seek to press the claims of His crown rights in all spheres of life. Proverbs helps believers to understand that all their labors to bring righteousness to politics will ultimately be successful, as it will in every other realm. Politics is a tough fight, but it is not a losing battle in the long run, and the faithfulness of each Christian and each generation will lead to final victory. By God's grace in Christ the church will triumph.

Prov. 2:21-22

"For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it."

Prov. 3:35

"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."

Prov. 4:18-19

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."

Prov. 8:20-21

"I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."

Prov. 10:24-25

"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation."

Prov. 10:28-30

"The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth."

Prov. 11:5-6

"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."

Prov. 11:19

"As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death."

Prov. 11:21

"Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered."

Prov. 11:31

"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."

Prov. 12:3

"A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved."

Prov. 12:7

"The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand."

Prov. 13:9

"The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."

Prov. 13:13

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

Prov. 13:22

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."

Prov. 14:11

"The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish."

Prov. 15:25

"The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow."

Prov. 21:12

"The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness."

Prov. 24:15-16

"Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."

Prov. 24:19-20

"Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out."

Prov. 29:16

"When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall."

William Einwechter is the vice president of the National Reform Association and editor of its publications. He serves as a teaching elder at Immanuel Free Reformed Church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Endnotes

1. Proverbs 6:34-35 may also uphold the death penalty for adultery.

2. The "sevenfold" restitution of Proverbs 6:31 is a poetic way of calling for complete restitution according to the terms of God's law.

3. For a biblical defense of this doctrine see Kenneth L. Gentry, He Shall Have Dominion (Tyler, TX: Institute for Christian Economics, 1992); John Jefferson Davis, The Victory of Christ's Kingdom (Moscow, ID: Canon Press, 1996); and William O. Einwechter, "The Latter Day Triumph of Christ's Kingdom: A Biblical and Theological Exposition of Isaiah 2:2-4, " The Journal of Christian Reconstruction, vol. XV (Winter, 1998).

4. The Principles of Christian Civil Government advocated by the National Reform Association state: "The Scriptures foretell the day when all nations shall acknowledge and obey Christ as their Ruler, and shall be blessed under His glorious reign (Ps. 22:27; 72:8, 11, 17; 86:9; Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 7:13-14, 27; Rev. 11:15)."

back to top