The sovereign rule of earthly leaders is a significant theme in Scripture, with the Bible teaching that kings and rulers are appointed by God. According to Proverbs 21:1, the king's heart is in God's hand, and He directs their decisions. The book of Proverbs also warns against the dangers of a king's abuse of power, citing the importance of justice and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 29:4. Additionally, Romans 13:1 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing God's sovereign ordination of earthly rulers. Ecclesiastes 10:20 and other passages offer wisdom on relating to those in power.
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The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed.
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to his own chariots and horses, to run in front of his chariots. He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants. He will take a tenth of your grain and grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants. And he will take your menservants and maidservants and your best cattle and donkeys and put them to his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.