Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 25:2-7 Advice for Kings & Rulers Part 1

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Proverbs 25:2–7

[2] It is the glory of God to conceal things,

but the glory of kings is to search things out.

[3] As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,

so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

[4] Take away the dross from the silver,

and the smith has material for a vessel;

[5] take away the wicked from the presence of the king,

and his throne will be established in righteousness.

[6] Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence

or stand in the place of the great,

[7] for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. (ESV)

Advice for Kings and Leaders Part 1

v.2 This chapter of Proverbs begins with a paradox: God's glory comes from what is hidden from our understanding, while an earthly king's glory comes from his observations and experiences during his rule. We only know that which God chooses to reveal (Deuteronomy 29:28). The priceless treasure of God's Wisdom is hidden in Christ (Colossians 1:26; 2:3; 3:3), who taught in parables both to reveal God to us and to keep things hidden from those who would not hear and receive His message (Matthew 11:25; 13:35; Luke 8:10).

v.3 This verse contrasts the previous one about kings. While a ruler investigates things, their intent is frequently hidden from those they lead or are, in fact, unknowable. Rulers must keep some things secret as matters of state, while the concealment may be benign—part of a bigger plan—or deceptive due to a malignant personality or a hidden agenda.

v.4-5 These two verses are separate, related proverbs. Verse four has many applications in life—just as a metal smith refines precious metals to remove impurities, so also are we to continually refine ourselves through examination and confession, rooting out sin and trying to lead a more Christ-like life. Of course, we cannot do this on our own; it comes by the power of the Holy Spirit, the refining fire of our lives. Verse five is a more direct application of this principle. A Wise ruler examines his advisers and weeds out those who are wicked so that his rule may be impartial and righteous. His rule can only be secure if this is accomplished. Even a Wise ruler’s reign is only as just as his most wicked aides.

v.6-7 These verses form one proverb that counsels against seeking one's own honor, seeking a higher position one is not qualified for through blind ambition, or thinking more highly of oneself than he ought. Humility leads to advancement at the invitation of others. Self-advancement can lead to embarrassment or removal—we would call this our modern principle of promotion to a position of incompetence. To be called into the king's presence was a great honor and rare. To be called into his presence only to be scolded or removed from one's position of power by him would be embarrassing and highly detrimental to one's career. Jesus may have had this proverb in mind when He preached the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:8-11). Lowering oneself through repentance and faith in Christ alone will, in the end, result in the gift of exaltation before God, while the pride of unbelief will lead to eternal ruin. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this theology of the cross (Philippians 2:6-11).