”When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.“
Proverbs 29:2
The outline is simple. Written another way this could say-
When the lawful are the majority the nation or people group rejoice: but when the criminals hold dominion the nation or people group groan in pain.
Some Key word definitions:
The word translated, “righteous,” means lawful, just, correct or vindicated.
The word translated,”Authority,” comes from the idea,”to increase.”
The word translated, “rejoice,” is to make glad.
The word translated, “wicked,” equates to those guilty of a crime.
The phrase translated to, “bearth rule,” is a power word which is explained by having or exercising dominion or rule. It can carry the idea of forcing of the will on others.
People, in both instances are referring to members of a people. It is a collective of individuals.
To mourn, in this sense, is to sigh or groan gasp or moan. It is possible it is a form of an Onomatopoeia.
Looking at the passage and having written a great deal about the idea presented, which in simple form looks something like this:
Good leaders equals a good life for those under them. Bad leaders equals a miserable life for those whom they rule over.
Why?
Why can we look at the people underneath an Authority and find out, rather quickly, whether they are a good or bad person and leader?
And what is good or bad? Who gets to determine what defines whether someone is good or bad?
To begin with, good and bad are not precise enough terms to be widely utilized by the Author of Proverbs. They are too vague and open to too much opinion to be valid.
The book of Proverbs gives us a legend to use in the beginning of the book for how we can properly filter decisions to clarify where something or someone fits on the scale. We see in Chapter 1 verse 3.
To receive the instruction of:
- Wisdom
- Justice
- Judgement
- Equity
When we use these, “instructions,” to filter our decisions and thinking it makes clarifying much more precise.
Is it wise?
If yes then proceed. If no then classify accordingly.
Is it justice?
If yes then proceed. If no then classify accordingly.
Does it pass the judgement filter?
If yes then proceed. If no, classify accordingly.
Is it equitable?
If yes, you have arrived at a true, lawful, rightly devined and upright decision or thing.
Therefore, when the Author of Proverbs classifies leadership as, “righteous,” they have passed the four filter test. This does not insinuate they are perfect or sweet or generous or pure or holy or say the right thing or have never done wrong. It is an indication they are following a protocol which filters out qualities such as lawlessness, greed, envy and selfishness.
On the other hand, when it defines an authority as wicked they have failed the four filter test and are most likely taking the position for gain.
This is why one of the highest praises and admiration bestowed on an authority in the book states:
“The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.”
Proverbs 29:14 KJV
Being faithful and judging based on the four filter process instead of by hierarchy, standing or wealth is a very rare quality.
Therefore, the righteous, more-or-less, allow for the people to conduct their business and lives as long as individuals fall inside the four filter system of Wisdom, Justice, Judgement and Equity.
Whereas the wicked do not use the four filter system and are driven by power, greed and suchlike.
This concept supersedes authority structure. This is why each and every type of government eventually crumbles when the wicked bear rule. The power attracts wickedness.
Keep in mind the contradiction in terms used to define the righteous verses wicked rulers- the righteous are, “in authority,” while the wicked or lawless, “beareth rule.”
The righteous have no need to force their rules and hold anyone but the lawless in subjection. Whereas the wicked force their rule on others.
It boils down to a rather simple concept. When the authorities properly enforce the law (which is not an oppressive law forced on the subjects but follows the four filters), the people rejoice. However, when lawlessness according to the natural law of the four filters) is allowed to abound it is because the laws and those enforcing them are corrupt and the people mourn.
The entire system is self diagnosing.
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