RULERS' RESPONSIBILITIES

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An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
Proverbs 16:10‭, ‬12‭-‬15 ESV

¶All in all these are better described as prescriptions for than as descriptions of earthly rulers. As descriptions of ideal kingship, they reflect God's kingship. Some rulers may derive authority "from the consent of the governed". The responsibility of righteous rule then ultimately falls to the ruled, with all the same admonitions to righteousness and and cautions against evildoing.

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