July 29 – Proverbs 29:4,5

We know from Scripture that God established civil authority to “praise” that which is good and to be a “terror” to that which is evil. (Rom 13:3). Along with alcohol and immorality, greed can cause rulers to accept bribes (gifts), perverting judgment which brings chaos into the country. Although our first instinct to reform government is to protest, we should consider prayer as our primary weapon. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ” (1 Tim 2:1,2). Where “a gift” tries to influence through giving money, flattery attempts to accomplish the same thing through words. These are forms of manipulation and we are cautioned against allowing them to influence our decisions or attitudes. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (Jn 7:24)