Most of the proverbs that are written in this book are very much directed at a personal level, but there are a few addressed not to a person but rather to a nation.
And here is one that, is not only addressed to a nation, but to any nation, not only to Israel. It is Proverbs 14:34-35
Pro 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Pro 14:35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
In our generation, with the very low morality present in every land, this proverb might seem to have passed its sell-by date. And yet it is God’s Word and as true today as ever.
When a nation acts according to righteousness – when what its people choose to do day-in day-out is in accordance with the teaching of God’s Word then that nation is exalted, but when its people choose to do what is contrary to God’s Word then it falls under God’s reproof.
We can therefore not be at all surprised by the very real evidences of God’s displeasure on our own land and on the lands around us. We have gone so far from the teaching of scripture and delight in it!
But, just as Nineveh moved from being under divine judgement to under divine blessing by its national response, so to can a country today. And friend, it is our calling and responsibility to both pray and work to that end – that we would once again walk with integrity before God.
And those who serve in government? Well, look at v35 they are the servants who are tasked with serving the Queen (at least technically) and with serving God. And v35 makes clear that if they discharge their duty well- if they act with godly wisdom, then they have the king’s favour. Remember this is a proverb and not a promise – if the head is corrupt as well then this may not apply. If on the other hand they act shamefully – not doing their work well, cheating and abusing their position then they should expect the wrath of their leader to fall on them.
And as that is true in the lesser position of a king and his servants, how much truer and greater is it in the position of The King and His servants! If, as a servant of God, I act with godly wisdom, I will certainly enjoy God’s favour, but if I act shamefully then I should expect His discipline to fall on me!
Friend, what a reason to keep our queen, our government, and our nation in our prayers before God. The goal might well seem an impossible one until we remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)!