What practical steps help us respond wisely to authority, as in Proverbs 19:12? “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.” Understanding the Picture - The roar of a lion: sudden, fearful, potentially deadly. - Dew on the grass: gentle, life-giving, refreshing. Authority carries both possibilities. Wisdom helps us avoid the roar and welcome the dew. Why Wisdom with Authority Matters - God Himself establishes every earthly authority (Romans 13:1-2). - Honoring that order shows we trust His design (1 Peter 2:13-17). - Wise responses often turn wrath aside and invite blessing (Proverbs 15:1; 16:14-15). Practical Steps for a Wise Response • Stay Calm under Pressure – “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). – Quiet composure can literally “pacify great offenses” (Ecclesiastes 10:4). • Practice Respectful Speech – Address titles and positions properly (Acts 26:2-3). – Avoid gossip or sarcasm; instead “speak evil of no one” (Titus 3:2). • Serve with Excellence – Joseph prospered under pagan Pharaoh by diligent, honest work (Genesis 41:38-41). – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). • Seek Understanding before Acting – Ask clarifying questions; listen first (Proverbs 18:13). – “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers” (Proverbs 15:28). • Appeal with Humility When Conscience Clashes – Daniel requested alternative food rather than rebel (Daniel 1:8-15). – The apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men” only when commanded to sin (Acts 5:29). • Pray Regularly for Leaders – “Petitions…for kings and all in authority” lead to “peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Prayer softens our hearts and invites God’s favor on them and us. • Trust God with Outcomes – “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to live at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). – Favor ultimately comes from the Lord, who “raises up one and puts down another” (Psalm 75:6-7). Living Examples to Imitate - David refused to harm Saul, honoring “the LORD’s anointed” despite mistreatment (1 Samuel 24:6-12). - Nehemiah approached Artaxerxes with prayer-soaked boldness, winning resources to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-8). - Esther, after fasting, entered the king’s presence wisely and saved her people (Esther 5–7). Heart Checks that Keep Us Ready - Am I harboring resentment toward authority? (Ephesians 4:31) - Do my words build up or tear down? (Proverbs 12:18) - Am I seeking God’s favor more than human approval? (Galatians 1:10) - Is my confidence in God’s sovereignty or in my own strategy? (Proverbs 3:5-6) Walking these steps, we position ourselves under God’s covering, avoid the lion’s roar, and invite the refreshing dew of favor from those who lead us. |
    |