Day #25: Bad Government

During his 40 over reign over Israel (970-931 BC), Solomon was able to observe all aspects of government.  Representatives of kingdoms from around the world flocked to him (1 Ki 10:23-24).  He observed the problem of corruption and poor leadership. Even in his own kingdom Solomon was no stranger to palace intrigue.  Even though David had promised the throne to Bathsheba's son, Adonijah lobbied and connived to take it for himself (1 Ki 1:1-31).  It was only with Nathan the prophet's help that Bathsheba was able to secure David's throne for Solomon.  He learned about corruption early on.

Government Corruption (Ec 5:8-9)

 

If you see the extortion of the poor, or the perversion of justice and fairness in the government, do not be astonished by the matter. For the high official is watched by a higher official, and there are higher ones over them! The produce of the land is seized by all of them, even the king is served by the fields. (Ec 5:8-9)

 

We should not be surprised when we see corruption in government. In our day it often seems as though things are going from bad to worse. We often expect justice and fair treatment for all and are shocked by what we see.  But justice and fair treatment are not the norm in most societies.  The poor and powerless are robbed by those in power. And the problem is systemic. There is corruption all up and down the chain of command. Those in power are made wealthy by the hard work of those they steal from.

 

Representative democracies were established to rectify this problem. Checks and balances should keep government corruption under control. But no system of government can change man’s very nature. Written before 931 BC, Solomon's words are timely for us today- “do not be astonished by the matter. “

 

This doesn’t mean that people should not do all within their power to protect those wronged. But neither should anyone think that ultimate truth and justice can be found in this life.

 

Foolish Rulers (Ec 10:5-7)

 

I have seen another misfortune on the earth: It is an error a ruler makes. Fools are placed in many positions of authority, while wealthy men sit in lowly positions. I have seen slaves on horseback and princes walking on foot like slaves. (Ec 10:5-7)

 

Life is not fair.  This is especially true when we see who gets selected for positions of leadership.  We say, "May the best man win" but it doesn't always end up that way.  In a representative democracy we would hope that the people would know enough about the candidates to make wise choices.  We would hope.  In an age of the Internet and social media, we would think that all the facts would be out there for everyone to see.  Think again.  But this problem is nothing new.  Solomon observed it in his day.  In a fallen world, uncertainty is a given. 

 

"for time and chance may overcome them all" (Ec 9:11)

 

The sad thing about fools in authority is that they have power, and that power effects everyone.  People suffer when fools run the show.  And there is little the everyday person can do about it.  Of course, we can vote them out of office, but that is a bit naïve.  Not all those in authority were elected, and not all those elected are easy to remove.  Solomon calls this situation a misfortune.  It certainly is.

 

Lazy Leadership (Ec 10:16-20)

 

Woe to you, O land, when your king is childish, and your princes feast in the morning! Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time—with self-control and not in drunkenness. Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of idle hands the house leaks. Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. Do not curse a king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich while in your bedroom; for a bird might report what you are thinking, or some winged creature might repeat your words. (Ec 10:16-20)

 

Some leaders are corrupt, some are foolish, others are just lazy.  Leadership takes hard work, it’s no place for the person who doesn't want to put in the effort.  When the leader is too immature, they may neglect their position for their own pleasure.  Any leader who lacks self-control will engage in a lifestyle that negates their position.  Therefore, personal character is so important for those who lead.  Lack of character always involves lack of self-control.  We all have natures that need to be kept in check, especially those who lead.  Accountability provides checks and balances for unbridled desires.  Leaders often find it easy to avoid accountability.  Those lacking spiritual maturity will drift in all directions, morally.  The spiritually mature will consistently place themselves under healthy accountability and their leadership will show it.

 

Of course, no matter how bad the leader is, we are warned against cursing them, even in our thoughts.  Even in private, our curses may reach those we criticize, and we could suffer the consequences.  This is a good warning.

 

Questions to consider:

1.       Why do you think Solomon warns against cursing a leader, even in your thoughts?

2.       What do you suppose we can do about it when we witness corruption in government?

3.       How can Solomon’s observations help you?


Read on to Day #26

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