Because this is an election year for Mississippi’s state and local offices, our newspapers are already filling up with advertisements from candidates asking for our votes. And even though Solomon was an absolute monarch, he did not disagree with the importance of marshalling public opinion: “In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, but in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin” (Proverbs 14:28). After all, David had no power when he was on the run from Saul and later from Absalom. Only when a king commands the respect and allegiance of his people can he take any sort of action.

But once they have power, what should kings, governors and presidents do with it? Solomon gives us a hint: “The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully” (Proverbs 14:35). In other words, Solomon agrees with Paul that one of the most important functions of government is to reward the good and punish the evil: thus to do justice (Romans 13:3-4).

So, how can we help ensure that justice is done for all Americans? Solomon agrees that oppressing people just because of their race or class is not just bad policy. No, because all human beings are made in the image of God, every human life deserves to be treated with respect and even reverence: “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker” (Proverbs 14:31). And in the same verse, Solomon points us toward a solution: “But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” In other words, those who are privileged with wealth and power should be willing to share with those who have neither. And didn’t Jesus teach the same sort of compassion in His powerful story about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)?

But if it’s right for the rich and powerful to help the needy and to ensure justice for everyone, it’s also wrong for those who are poor and powerless to allow their anger to boil over, insulting police officers and destroying property and lives in riots. After all, Solomon points out that “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). If we really want to improve society for everyone, we all need more reason and respect, not more rage.

In short, if we Americans are to build a truly just society, it is God’s wisdom and God’s love for one another that we must seek. We must seek to live not according to our own reason, traditions or experience, but only in agreement with God’s Word and will. After all, Solomon reminds us that “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). And that’s why he can conclude, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Proverbs 14:26-35 (NASB)

26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the bosom of fools it is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.