Wisdom affects every area of life, and as our last passage spoke about how wisdom brings peace with our enemies, wisdom also brings favor from the lowest to the highest ranks of society.
Today’s passage reminds me of several encounters between kings and the wise. See if it brings any to your mind as you read.
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. How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:13-16 ESV)
Wisdom draws a king’s favor
There were some very active kings in this new land of promise when Abraham arrived. After Lot had settled near Sodom, local fighting led to his family’s capture. When Abraham heard, he gathered his men and went after him, defeating the enemy, and bringing Lot and all he possessed safely back home. He was met not only by the king of Sodom, but by that of Salem, one Melchizedek by name, who was also priest of God Most High. After receiving a blessing from this priest-king, he gives the king a tenth of all he had gained in battle. Though the king of Sodom told him to keep the spoils and give him only the people he had captured, Abraham refuses, saying he had done this in pledge to the Lord. His integrity would not permit him to be obligated to anyone but the Lord, his God.
Integrity, as an integral component of wisdom, is seen in the lives of several others in the Bible. They also reflect the truth of this proverb: “A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.” Who comes to mind?
Joseph, after being in prison, reveals his wisdom in interpreting the dream of Pharaoh. His confidence and integrity lead Pharaoh to make him second only to him to see the country through the years of plenty and subsequent famine.
Abigail walks directly toward the wrath of the future king, David, who is ready to destroy her husband and all he possesses. With her gifts and wisdom, she prevents David from taking revenge, and after her husband’s sudden death, she is chosen by David to be his wife. She not only appeased the man but won his heart.
Daniel, a man of integrity in exile, also faced the king’s wrath toward the wise men and magicians of Babylon who were unable to interpret his dream. David spoke the words of the God of Israel, revealing both the dream and its interpretation, saved the lives of the other men, and was promoted. He and his three friends would have further opportunities to speak what is right in the presence of kings.
The wisdom of both Mordecai and Esther shines in the face of a vindictive enemy, as they faithfully serve King Ahasuerus during the exile. They rescued the remnant of scattered Israel by their acts of bravery and wisdom. Through her wisdom, Esther found the king’s favor, which brought life restored from certain death.
How much better than gold!
Looking at these examples of wisdom in the face of royalty, we see the value of wisdom over riches. Abraham chose integrity over the spoils of war. Abigail risked her husband’s wrath to preserve his life and save a king from making a big mistake. Daniel chose loyalty to his God over compliance and a certain future. Mordecai chose insignificance to protect his cousin’s place in the court, and Esther risked her life for that of her people.
These wise examples gained much more than material possessions and positions of honor. They showed the pagan kings that there is a God who is King over all. He alone is the One who puts kings on thrones and brings them down. In their wisdom, they gave witness to the One True God, King of the Universe. As they honored God by using the wisdom He provided for the crisis of the moment, He honored them with a place in Scripture to His glory.
These and others serve as our examples of standing before kings with wisdom. I leave you with the words of one final man of wisdom—Paul, as he stood before King Agrippa.
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (Acts 26:25-29)
Lord, give us wisdom and boldness to stand true to you before all, even kings.
Grace and Peace
If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.
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