![]() ![]() Though a nation’s rulers are in high positions of authority, God is much higher than they are. Knowing this fact, you should not marvel or worry about rulers perverting judgment and justice in a nation. Just as legislators often write tax laws to implement policy or grant preferential favor to segments of the nation, God moves those legislators for His will and your profit. Knowing this fact, you should submit to their laws, knowing they and their decisions are controlled and directed by the LORD for His glory and your benefit (Rom 13:1-7 Isaiah 49:23). Nehemiah also prayed in preparation for soliciting the King of Persia (Neh 1:4,11 2:1-6). Esther knew the most powerful influence she had on her king-husband was prayer (Esth 4:16). ![]() Knowing this fact, you should pray confidently for kings and all in authority, knowing God can and does direct their hearts and decisions (I Tim 2:1-2 Jer 29:4-7). ![]() As easily as He directs rivers back and forth as they move water toward the sea, and as easily as a farmer directs water by channels and sluices for the benefit of his fields, so God turns the hearts of kings any direction He desires to accomplish His holy purposes. In our spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of God but our strength must be in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Almighty God has total rule over men’s hearts, even kings’ hearts. But a good man asks, What ( proverbs 21:30-31 ) after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence. When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that especially is an abomination. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied. Pride and haughtiness make men passionate such continually deal in wrath, ( proverbs 21:25-26 ) misery of the slothful their hands refuse to labour in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and honours, which cannot be obtained without labour. It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted. Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength. True repentance and faith will lead him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ, to follow after righteousness and mercy in his own conduct. But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts. The plenty obtained by prudence, industry, and frugality, is desirable. Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations. The righteous is often delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a ransom for him. ![]() A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men. Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour but let them flee to him without delay. Of all wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion. If money can conquer the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them? Verse 15. But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity. Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice, stop their ears at the cry of the poor. Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers they see there is a curse on them. The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught. The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct. For by prudence and patience, with constant prayer, the cross may be removed. It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God. The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange. Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever. While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death. The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour. Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men. Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness. We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions. Verse 1 The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love. ![]()
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