Topical Bible: Kings: Speak No Evil of

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The biblical principle of speaking no evil of kings is rooted in the understanding of authority and respect for God-ordained leadership. Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent theme that emphasizes the importance of honoring those in positions of power, recognizing that their authority is established by God.

Biblical Foundation

1. Divine Appointment of Kings: The Bible teaches that kings and rulers are appointed by God. In the book of Daniel, it is declared, "He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them" (Daniel 2:21). This acknowledgment of divine sovereignty over earthly rulers forms the basis for the respect and honor due to them.

2. Respect for Authority: The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities, stating, "For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God" (Romans 13:1). This passage underscores the belief that speaking ill of rulers is tantamount to speaking against God's established order.

3. Example of David: One of the most compelling biblical examples of refraining from speaking evil of a king is found in the life of David. Despite being pursued by King Saul, who sought to kill him, David consistently refused to harm Saul or speak against him. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed" . David's respect for Saul's position as the anointed king, despite Saul's personal failings, exemplifies the principle of honoring God's chosen leaders.

4. Warnings Against Slander: The Bible warns against the sin of slander and speaking evil of others, including those in authority. In Ecclesiastes 10:20, it is written, "Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a winged creature may report your words" . This verse highlights the importance of guarding one's speech, even in private, as a reflection of one's respect for authority.

5. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Peter advising believers to "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). This directive is part of a broader call to live honorably among non-believers, demonstrating respect for all people, including those in positions of power.

Practical Implications

The biblical injunction to speak no evil of kings has practical implications for believers. It calls for a posture of respect and honor towards leaders, recognizing their role as part of God's providential plan. This does not imply blind allegiance or the endorsement of unrighteous actions by rulers, but rather a commitment to uphold the dignity of the office and to pray for those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

In summary, the biblical principle of speaking no evil of kings is deeply rooted in the recognition of God's sovereignty over human affairs and the respect due to those He has placed in positions of authority. This principle encourages believers to maintain a posture of honor and reverence towards leaders, reflecting a heart aligned with God's order and purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 34:18
Is it fit to say to a king, You are wicked? and to princes, You are ungodly?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Record of Two Kings
... in the other, all boiled down, so to speak, into half ... is recorded of these two wretched
kings, or whether ... vehemently have asserted that he was no idolater, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... bodies, and even in the courts of kings" this mammoth ... the law and to the testimony:
if they speak not according ... this word, it is because there is no light in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

The Knowledge of God
... I know their thoughts.' Thoughts speak as loud in God's ears ... He can have no fear
of God; for how can they ... I Kings 14:4. Why feignest thou thyself to be another ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

Matt. x. 16
... had said, "Ye shall be brought before governors and kings," He added ... But when they
deliver you up, take no thought [1414] how or what ye shall speak, for it ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxiii matt x 16.htm

Ephesians iv. 3-Jan
... us, are more than they which are with them;" (2 Kings 6:16 ... to him, He said, "Be not
afraid, but speak, for I ... Let there be no deceit amongst us, no hollowness. ...
/.../homily ix ephesians iv 3-jan.htm

Christian Perfection
... plainly, There is no man that sinneth not;' (1 Kings 8:46; 2 ... No: God forbid we should
thus speak! ... which another has committed; and yet this is no evil or sinful ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 40 christian perfection.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... is tempted to diverge into wider considerations, and speak of the ... referred to in
the phrase 'He reproved kings for their ... There is no real harm in so-called evil ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... Refrain thy tongue from evil, and thy lips that they speak no guile ... confessors
acquiesced in the schism, because before one's death no one is ... 3121] 1 Kings 11:31 ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians.
... which is a vice, we may learn from kings and rulers ... For, if we must speak plainly,
he who lives according to the nature which belongs to him, in no way sins. ...
/.../chapter xvi several other things turned.htm

Matt. vii. 21
... "We cannot but speak the things ... anxieties; which a certain wise man also was intimating
when he said, "The wicked fleeth, when no man is ... [1063] 1 Kings 18:21 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxiv matt vii 21.htm