"THE BOOK OF PROVERBS"
Wisdom Regarding Authority
INTRODUCTION
1. Throughout life, we must deal with the matter of authority...
a. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions of authority (boss,
parent, elder, president)
b. Most of the time we find ourselves having to submit to authority
(employee, child, citizen)
2. Wisdom regarding authority is a virtue often lacking...
a. People with authority frequently do poorly, even abusing their
authority
b. People under authority don't always handle it gracefully, making
their situation worse
3. In Proverbs, we find wisdom regarding authority...
a. Mostly spoken in terms pertaining to the rule of a king or prince
b. Which can easily be applied to other areas involving authority
(work, family, church)
[In this study, we shall seek to summarize what is said in Proverbs
about the subject of authority, beginning with some...]
I. WISDOM FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
A. THEIR DUTIES...
1. To make judgments - Pro 16:10; 25:2
a. Those in authority are often called upon to make decisions
b. Decisions that affect those under their authority
2. To administer justice - Pro 20:8,26; 29:4a,14
a. Such is the responsibility of those in authority
b. Not for their personal benefit, but for those under their
authority
-- Whether one is a king, a company CEO or manager, an elder, or a
parent, God expects them to exercise authority with justice
B. THEIR QUALITIES...
1. They must be righteous - Pro 16:10,12
a. Necessary to administer justice
b. To judge righteously and fairly
2. Free of evil influence - Pro 25:4-5
a. Such as covetousness, the love of material things - Pro 28:
15-16
b. Such as bribery, the tool of many 'lobbyists' - Pro 29:4
c. Such as women and alcohol, bane of many politicians and
businessmen - Pro 31:1-5
3. They must be fair and merciful - Pro 31:8-9
a. For those unable to speak for themselves
b. For those who are poor and needy
-- Those in authority need the qualities that will ensure
righteous and merciful judgment
[In other words, the same sort of judgment they would want if they
themselves were not in positions of authority! Now for some...]
II. WISDOM FOR THOSE UNDER AUTHORITY
A. THEIR DUTIES...
1. To honor those in authority - Pro 24:21-22
a. To fear (reverence, respect) them like we do the Lord
b. Avoid those given to 'revolution', who often bring calamity
on themselves
2. To gain their favor, when possible and appropriate - Pro 16:15;
19:12; 20:2
a. For such favor can be a blessing
b. And their wrath can be a curse
-- Those in authority deserve our respect - for the position if
not the occupant
B. THEIR QUALITIES...
1. Wise conduct, not shameful - Pro 14:35
2. Righteous speech - Pro 16:13
3. Purity of heart and graceful lips - Pro 22:11
4. Excellence in one's work - Pro 22:29
5. Self-control of one's passions and appetites - Pro 23:1-3
6. Humility - Pro 25:6-7
7. Patience and gentleness - Pro 25:15
-- Such are the qualities that gain the favor of those in
authority
CONCLUSION
1. If such wisdom regarding authority were commonplace...
a. In nations
b. In businesses
c. In churches
d. In families
2. Where those in authority...
a. Fulfilled their duties with justice
b. Were men and women of righteous conduct
3. Where those under authority...
a. Respected those over them
b. Gained the respect of those over them through their own conduct
Then how wonderful it would be! With the aid of such wisdom as that
found in Proverbs, it can happen...
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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2007
