Stability

For Thursday, December 27, 2007
Proverbs 28:2

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.

Interestingly the proverb notes that it is when a land trangresses - not a ruler - that it will experience the rule of many rulers. The people are difficult to manage, and so many "rulers" are required to keep order. These rulers may be local chiefs taking advantage of a weak central ruler to form their own little rival kingdoms. They may be government agents using their positions to oppress the people under their authority. Under such conditions, the rulers inevitably battle with each other, trying to undermine one another to gain more power. Thus, there are not only many rulers, but many have reigns cut short through violence and intrigue.

What is needed is a person of understanding and knowledge, a person of integrity who understands people and how to govern them for the welfare of the land. He needs to understand how to deal with his enemies so as not to be undermined. He must be fair, but not naive. He must have ideals, but works towards them in a practical way. He must be aware of the temptations of power and keep his integrity.

The task is difficult, but if he succeeds in maintaining his rule and is patient with the process of establishing just conditions, then he will bring stability to his land. Are you willing to weather the course in your position of leadership? Are you willing to go through the arduous task of patiently observing and then acting with understanding and knowledge? Let us be thankful for our King who faithfully remains on his throne and rules us. Even though we are guilty of transgression, he remains our ruler, keeping stability throughout his kingdom until the day he returns in his glory.