Good and Evil Government
We can apply the principles in Proverbs 14 to the three branches of the U.S. government: judicial, legislative, and executive.
Judicial
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. Proverbs 14:5 (KJV)
This verse mentions a faithful witness and a false witness. Our judicial system can be affected by corruption- both in judges and in witnesses. When good judges rule correctly, based on truthful testimony, law and order is established. When false witnesses are involved, or corrupt judges rule incorrectly, lies abound that destroy law and order.
Legislative
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. Proverbs 14:11 (KJV)
I am tying the word house to our legislative branch, as our legislature, or Congress, is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress is entrusted with the responsibility of making laws. When the legislature is full of wickedness, God says it shall be overthrown. How? It is done by God moving upon the people to remove them from office and replace them with God-fearing people.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)
Some laws that Congress creates, which are not biblical, may seem right to some, but they bring death. The Bible is to be the standard for everything we do. Anything established by man, including laws, must align with the Scriptures and God’s will. If not, death is the ultimate result- the death of people, and sometimes, even the death of a nation.
Executive
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. Proverbs 14:28 (KJV)
I am equating the title of king in this verse with the role of our president. However, I am not advocating for a king or implying that the president rules, or should rule, unchecked like a king. This verse refers to a multitude of people, similar to a president’s cabinet or advisors. When a righteous president surrounds himself with godly advisors, it establishes him and brings him honor.
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. Proverbs 14:35 (KJV)
When a cabinet member of other advisor serves the president well, that person receives favor. Those who do not serve wisely cause shame and incur the disfavor of the president, and often the removal of them from their position.
Government
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Proverbs 14:22
Good always wins in the end- including in government. Those who are corrupt in their rulership, regardless of the branch of government in which they operate, err and make mistakes. Corrupt leaders always make errors that bring about their fall, and sometimes the fall of the entire nation. Those who look to do good will always receive mercy from God and will know the truth. This is reflected in how they govern.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)
As we exalt God as a nation, He exalts us. On the other hand, sin is a reproach, or a shame, to any nation. Righteousness will remove reproach. Even a nation that has been governed by corrupt people can be cleansed through repentance and put back on a right path.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) emphasis mine
God is interested in good government, and He expects us to be too. It is up to us as a people to take action and vote for righteous individuals and laws. Even in a corrupt, crooked system, God can bring about good results if we do our part and vote in alignment with His Word. Christians who do not vote every time they have the opportunity- whether in primaries, local elections, run-off elections, special elections, or general elections- do not honor God or help His will to be done in the land.
