Doing the Right Thing

(Prov 17:26 NLT) It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest.

Earlier in this chapter Solomon addressed the responsibility of judges to judge righteously. He said, “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both” (17:15). When justice is miscarried and injustice reigns what you have is a population of “people most miserable.” Justice and order are required for civilization. Jehovah is a God of order and He expects His people to pursue and operate in righteous order.

What Solomon addresses here is the rifts that often arose between magistrates and citizens. In a perfect world the guilty would be punished and the innocent would go free (every time). However, we know that we live in a world that is in a fallen state. Because of Adam sin abounds and corruption often permeates through our courts.

It was no different in Solomon’s day. If there were any difference it would be in the brutality of the punishment. Back then if a citizen was pronounced guilty of a crime the punishment could involve stoning or flogging. It’s pretty obvious what stoning is, but let’s discuss flogging. During a flogging a person was beat with a whip. Now, this was not just any whip, but “A cat of nine tails.” This whip had nine leather straps and each strap had bits of rock, metal and glass worked into them. When the person was flogged the bits of rock, metal and glass dug into his or her back. When the person administering the flogging pulled back the whip, pieces of flesh often came with it. The greater the offense, the more lashes, with the highest legal limit being 39 lashes (which is what Jesus received).

What Solomon is speaking out against here is the perverted practice of punishing the innocent. Not only did innocent citizens often get falsely accused, in cases with trumped up charges, but righteous judges were also being condemned for being righteous. If a judge condemned a person of great influence, the tables were often turned on the judge and before he knew it, he was the one being flogged. Any why? Just because he was being honest.

The judge may not have been making the decision that was popular, but he was surely making the decision that was right!

So what does this mean to you? Two things:
1. For leaders: If you are a leader, then this message means that you should NEVER abuse the authority the Father has blessed you to have. Don’t be like the unrighteous judges who used their power to acquit the guilty. If the Father has blessed you to be in a position of authority, then He expects you to walk in honesty and integrity. Make the hard calls. Call right “right” and wrong “wrong.” Don’t allow the innocent to be punished nor the guilty to go free. Establish an atmosphere where hard work and honesty are rewarded and encouraged. And do the right thing, even when it is NOT POPULAR!

2. For the led: If you are a subordinate, then you must respect and submit to authority. The Father expects you to honor His leaders and to never fight against those who are attempting to do the right thing. Just like righteous judges were sometimes persecuted in Solomon’s day, leaders who stand up for what is right are sometimes persecuted today. But as far as you are concerned, never be one of the people who fight against righteous authority. Support your leaders and partner with them to accomplish to the mission of your organization. This way you add value to your work environment and God is able to get the glory from all you do.

Father, I know that You are a just, honest, virtuous and true God. I am in You and You are in me. Therefore, I declare, by faith, that I operate in that same virtue. I have the courage to call right “right” and wrong “wrong;” and to support those that do the same. I do the hard right and avoid the easy wrong. I make the “call” the pleases You, even when it is NOT the popular thing to do and I submit to righteous authority. I refuse to fight against those who are seeking to make a difference for You. I partner with those who are partnered with You and together we will restore righteousness to our sphere of influence! In Jesus’ name. Amen!