Proverbs 16:10-15
The
ruler of a nation has tremendous power, power for good and for evil. Our proverbs
today, there are six of them, all deal with the role of a king, the ruler of
that day. They all deal with justice in one way or another. They range from the
words spoken to the facial expression. So let’s take a closer look.
In
our day and age we know how one slip of the tongue can ruin a politician. Cell
phone cameras have become scandal’s best friend. But it isn’t politicians alone
who have to worry about what they say. Facebook becomes the treasure trove for
those looking for dirt. Future employers look at Facebook and learn about your
character. A leader speaks about justice and hopefully his justice mirrors the
LORD’s justice. If an investigator combed through your life, what would be
found out about your values? Do your deeds match your words?
Doing
the right thing for the right reason is the right thing to do. When a leader
does this, then their standing in the society is solidified. If they value
honesty from those around them, their values get passed along to a greater
degree. Honesty and integrity are contagious. If honesty is what pleases the
king, then if people value their position, they will be honest with him.
But
when a leader is not pleased with the behavior of someone, look out. In our
day, either a drone is heading their way, or the smear machine gets churning.
Some leaders are much worse than others at this scorched earth policy. If you
don’t want to get burned, either stay far away, or get in line with the message
he wants spoken.
No
one likes it when a leader falters. It does not bode well for a society when a
leader fails. And we as citizens ought not wish failure on any individual. We
ought to pray for righteousness to succeed. When righteousness does reign, and
the leader is in line with it, it will be reflected in his face. Good news can
be seen on a face. Failure and defeat can as well.
When
a leader is being successful and following righteousness their face will
brighten. And that brightening is compared to a spring rain, watering the newly
planted crops thirsting for every drop of moisture. Soil, sun and water. If you
depend on what you plant to survive, that cloud means life. So it is with a
successful leader.