"The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass" (Proverbs 19:12 NASB). A wise person knows how to respect those in authority. One of the great problems in our world, though, is most people are not wise. Disrespect and disregard for authority is everywhere--towards the government, employers, and parents. In most cases when we disrespect those in charge, we are first disrespecting God. There is no authority except that which comes from God (cf. Romans 13:1-2). God is the one who made husbands the head of a family (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:3, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-6). God tells children to obey and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1-2). God is the one who established governments and tells us to honor those in charge as well as pay the required taxes (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). God is the one who tells us to work as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24) even if our employer is harsh and unreasonable (1 Peter 2:18-19). If we are to respect and serve God, we must learn to respect those in authority. This will bring favor from men and from God rather than wrath.
Jeremy Sprouse
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