#10 – LIVING IN WISDOMVILLE

TO LIVE IN WISDOMVILLE YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEADERS

MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

Politics is in the news (ad nauseum) every day. Some study political science in school. Many follow it in the news and online. The following study is Biblical political science.

GOD WORKS THROUGH RULERS & LEADERS

Proverbs 21:1 The ____________________ heart is in the hand of the __________________________, as the rivers of water: ____________________ turneth it whithersoever he __________________________________.

Almighty God has total rule over men’s hearts, even kings’ hearts. As easily as He directs rivers back and forth as they move water toward the sea, and as easily as a farmer directs water by channels and sluices for the benefit of his fields, so God turns the hearts of kings any direction He desires to accomplish His holy purposes. Let the LORD be magnified!

A LEADER HAS GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY TO GOD & SHOULD AVOID SINFUL PRACTICES

Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to _____________________ to commit ___________________________: for the ___________________________ is established by _____________________________________.

Civil governments that do what is right will be strong and last long. The proverb applies to all authority. A husband, father, employer, or pastor will keep the functional authority of his office as long as he is righteous. Every leader should humble himself before this inspired rule, for the effectiveness and length of his authority and influence depend on how much he hates sin, especially his own.

Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a _______________________: much less do _______________________ lips a _________________________________.

Noble men and rulers must never lie, because it is an ugly blot on their character, reputation, and office, which should be known by all for faithful and sober honesty. Deceit or lying of any sort is very unbecoming to any person in a position of power or influence. The privilege of authority and leadership brings the responsibility of truth.

A LEADER’S RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AFFECTS HIS/HER PEOPLE

Proverbs 29:2 When the ______________________________ are in _______________________________, the people _________________________: but when the ________________________ beareth __________________, the people _________________________.

The proverb does not apply to all men: the wicked love wicked rulers, for they promote and protect their sins. Many nations have loved and do love atheistic and profane rulers. The people of this proverb are God’s saints.

A LEADER’S INTEGRITY STRENGTHENS HIS POSITION

Proverbs 20:28 Mercy and ___________________ preserve the ______________: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

God will preserve a ruler, a government, or a nation that exalts mercy and truth. He will destroy rulers, governments, or nations that compromise or corrupt either or both. The security of rulers and nations is right here, not in bodyguards, military strength, or polls.

A LEADER NEEDS WISDOM TO LEAD EFFECTIVELY

Proverbs 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of _______________________ and knowledge the state thereof shall be _____________________________.

There are natural and supernatural laws at work in every government and nation. Natural laws are the ordinary and logical consequences of a nation’s good or bad character, conduct, and legislation. Supernatural laws are God’s rewards or punishments on a government or nation for its policies and practices.

AN UNQUALIFIED LEADER CAUSES TURMOIL & DISMAY

Proverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a _______________________; much less for a servant to have _______________________ over princes.

Fools do not deserve favor, liberty, or reward; it is not appropriate or right for them. A man without wisdom or that does not rule his spirit should instead be rebuked and punished. Fools should not be allowed joy or privileges, because honor or pleasure encourages them to continue in their folly.

LEADERS SHOULD LISTEN ONLY TO UPRIGHT ADVISORS

Proverbs 25:5 Take away the ____________________________ from before the ______________________, and his throne shall be ___________________________________ in _________________________________.

Wise rulers have counselors to assist in decisions. They cannot know all the details of every part of the kingdom or nation, so they rely on counselors for help. But if these advisors are wicked, a good ruler will be corrupted by evil influence and deceit. These evil men must be removed, so the kingdom or nation can prosper in righteousness.

LEADERS SHOULD THOROUGHLY EXAMINE IMPORTANT ISSUES

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to __________________ out a matter.

God has infinite wisdom of all things. He gloriously acts without revealing His purpose, seeking counsel, or exposing matters to public scrutiny. Kings are much different. Since they understand very little in comparison, they should act only after diligent examination and deliberate consideration. It would be folly for them to act in an arbitrary way, pretending to be wise as God. All human authorities should follow their prudent example.

LEADERS SHOULD BE IMPARTIAL AND FAIR IN JUDGMENT

Proverbs 24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have ___________________________ of _______________________________ in ____________________________________.

When judging a matter, do not consider who is involved.

LEADERS SHOULD PUNISH WRONG-DOERS

Proverbs 20:26 A wise king scattereth the _________________________, and bringeth the [threshing] wheel over them.

Wise rulers seek quiet and peaceable lives for their productive citizens. These people can only have such lives, if the wicked are scattered and crushed. Leaders must take the justice part of their office seriously and do all they can to destroy criminals and crime. They must be free of sentimentality to aid, abet, respect, or pardon criminals. There is not room for one wicked person, one criminal, in a just and good nation.

Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the ______________________, and he that condemneth the ___________________, even they _________________________ are abomination to the Lord.

Judgment is vindication of good and condemnation of evil. It takes place in courts, of course. But it also takes place in the home, where children’s conduct is judged. And it takes place in the workplace, in churches, in schools, and even among friends. In these and other situations, just men are to be honored, and wicked men are to be condemned. Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

WE ARE TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS – PRAY FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS & WISDOM TO PREVAIL TODAY!