Proverbs 16:10-16

Introduction

What are the biblical ideals for government? I did not say the American ideal, or the conservative ideal or the liberal ideal. Also, when government is not ideal biblically (and it never is) then what are the realities that we must reckon with? In this passage of Scripture today I believe we will see the basic ideals of a government rightly ordered before God. We will understand that even in the best forms of human government there are terrible failings and we will be encouraged to walk in wisdom before that government as we seek to honor God in all things that we do.

Ideal Government Speaks Truth v.10

Divination/Oracle

-the role of government is not apart from God, it is ordained by God

Romans 13:1–5 ESV

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

-God has instituted authority in the home, in the church, and in government

-so proper government reflects the truth of God

-in the biblical ideal the king (government)’s words can be viewed as speaking for God

-yet, we know that God is not a liar, a charlatan, or one who speaks against His own truth

-so then we can say that when the king/gov’t speaks things that are not true they are not representative of God

-that would seem to go without saying but we live in a day where, especially in government/politics the ends justify the means

***In our system of government the reality is that the people are supposed to be “king”. So when we refuse to speak the truth plainly and seek our own ends instead of judging rightly then we are saying with our actions that we prefer a government that is apart from God’s expressed ideal***