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Harmony and order preserve societies, when all men that are in a subordinate state do readily yield to him who is the supreme according to God's law. Maximus Tyrius, the Platonist, speaks of three sorts of government — monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. One end of religion is to be serviceable even to the political and civil interests of mankind; and because there can be no temporal felicity without peace, nor peace without loyal and dutiful submission, the text calls on all such as would be truly happy to "fear God and the king."

I. AN AFFIRMATIVE COMMAND. That we express that humble and universal fear which is due to God's majesty, and that becoming reverence which is due to the king's majesty for God's sake. (This subject not now treated fully.)

II. A NEGATIVE PRECEPT. That we have nothing to do with those who, when things are well, under pretence of mending would fain mar all, and alter everything, whether it be religion, or laws, or government, that lieth in their way. Some render the verse thus, "Meddle not with them that act their iniquities over again; them that are disobedient and disloyal afresh; them that repeat their old sins against the king and his regalities; them that are for a change, but not of their own principles and courses." Solomon's own experience led him to warn his son against intractable and ungrateful men. Other expositors do not so restrain the sense of the text, but interpret it generally of all that are given to change, though some of them for a considerable time may have kept touch with the government: "Meddle not with them that change their good principles; with them that warp their obedience; with them that are unsteady and inconsistent with themselves, and observe the pulse of the times." Men should be quiet and dutiful, and contented with their lot when things are well and in their right channel, and not abet the practices of those who cannot be at ease until the mire be stirred, and the wheel be turned upside down. Reasons for this advice of the text:

1. A retinue of the most mischievous concomitants and effects, as war, bloodshed, confusion, rapine, the subversion of laws, and ruin of families, follow upon these restless changes, these evils of innovation.

2. Change of government is rarely attempted but under some cleanly disguise and popular pretence. Popular states have been erected by the popular tricks of men.Recommend three practical things —

1. The fear of the Lord. No confidence can be placed but in men who act upon the right principles of religion and honesty.

2. The fear of the king is coercive of obedience.

3. Avoid the company of restless spirits; have no fellowship with them.

(Edward Pelling.)

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KJV: My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

WEB: My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don't join those who are rebellious: