The king by judgment establishes the land; but he that receives gifts overthrows it.
In the human social arrangement, there is constant tension between the tyranny of the one and the anarchy of the many. Some want big government socialism, and others want libertarian individualism where every man does that which is right in his own eyes. How then do we strike a balance between the individual liberties of each person and the necessities of the social order? Should the government allow divorce in any and all circumstances and permit the ruin of families by the millions? Shall governments educate all our children with the same curriculum and goals in order that they might maintain a united order? Should parents have the right to spank their children? What if they spank hard and leave a bruise? What if every parent educated their children according to their own agenda? Would chaos ensue? Should the government regulate concrete foundations for buildings so as to ensure safety during earthquakes? Should a man have the right to commit adultery with impunity? Where do individual liberties violate the liberties of others? And where do governments violate the liberties of the individual by tyrannical regulations and controls?
There is tension between the tyranny of the one social unit and the anarchy of the many individuals. It is only resolved by good leaders who make wise judgements. Maximum stability in a country and maximum liberty for the people can only be achieved in the implementation of God’s law. If you believe in the Trinitarian God, you know that He is One and He is Three. Therefore, His law strikes the perfect balance between social unity and individual liberties. As God’s law is wisely and carefully applied to a unique situation in time and place (whether it be Zimbabwe in 2025 or America in 1634), it will achieve the best balance that can be achieved. Of course, this is a sinful world, so there will be no Utopia. Living in this world is a matter of making the best out of a bad situation, and there is no better law to apply to any bad situation than the righteous principles of God’s law.
It still requires great wisdom to make these applications, however. For example, the sin of the people may require more government involvement at some points. Anarchical societies may require an expensive and intrusive police force to keep relative stability in the land. Until men can govern themselves and their families by God’s righteous laws, they will need the strong hand of civil government to keep the civil order in place. But the righteous leader will look to God’s laws to prioritize his agenda, to balance justice and mercy, and to provide a righteous standard for the state he governs.
The second half of the verse speaks to the dissolution of governments and the breakdown of nations. If leaders are more controlled by a thirst for power, media attention, or popular opinion, they abandon God’s principles and sound judgement. When campaign donations become the deciding factor in elections, you can be sure that justice will be perverted and the government will turn into a den of thieves.
For related commentary, reference Proverbs 17:8, 23, and 21:14.
1. What makes for a wise and righteous leader in the civil magistrate?
2. Is a police force always necessary in every community? Should governments prosecute drunkenness and drug use? Where is the correct balance between government regulation or enforcement and individual liberties?
3. Are campaign donations a deciding factor in our elections?