A Word about How to Stand Before Kings

 

Today I want to share a word about how to stand before kings as I comment on passages from Proverbs 14, 16, and 22. Let’s begin by reading Proverbs 14:33-35:

Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Most people I know are ordinary, everyday folks. From time to time, however, any of us may encounter a person of power, or celebrity. Also, we might work for such a person, directly or indirectly.  So, how do we handle those encounters? How do we relate to those who exercise much greater authority or influence?

I once met a pilot of Marine One, which is the radio call sign of a helicopter with the President of the United States on board. He was an ordinary looking man who had an extraordinary job. When I asked how he handled such a position he shrugged, and said, “I learned how to fly the helicopter, and I learned how to act around powerful people. And I had good teachers along the way.”

We, too, can learn how to stand before powerful and influential people. We, too, have a teacher, a teacher who is the wisest and most knowledgeable of all, the one who is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. His Word tells us how His people in the Bible stood before kings, and how we can do so today as well, so to speak.

First, to stand before kings requires wisdom.

How do important men and women get that way? I heard a joke that claims, “Behind every big man there is a big behind!”   Truthfully, leaders in significant positions usually got there because they surrounded themselves with assistants who had knowledge and wisdom.

For example, George Washington took advantage of the skills and knowledge of Von Steuben and La Fayette during the American Revolutionary War.

The key to usefulness is wisdom. The world is only concerned with success, and wisdom is a key to being successful. But what is the best source of wisdom? The Word of God, of course, as confirmed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. 

The Old Testament has many stories of how God’s people provided wisdom to kings: In Genesis we see Joseph counseling Pharoah. Later, Darius confided in Daniel. Nehemiah had the ear of King Artaxerxes. Esther persuaded King Ahasuerus to protect the Jews from the scheme of Haman. Each of these employed the wisdom of God in their efforts.

Next, to stand before kings requires the use of the right words.

Proverbs 16:13 teaches us, “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.”

And Proverbs 22:11-12 also says, “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.”

Words are important because they represent facts and truth, and our feelings, desires, and actions. People want to trust the words others say to them, especially people of influence and power.

It was a common practice for a Roman general, on his return from conquering an enemy, or from extending Roman hegemony over another land, to enjoy a victory parade held in his honor. However, as the onlookers cheered him and proclaimed his greatness, a servant rode behind him in his chariot, whispering in his ear and reminding him of his humanity.

As much as important people respect honesty, they also expect graciousness also. “Brutal” honesty is rarely appreciated, and we can say the right thing in the wrong way. To be most effective we must tell the truth in love.

We also note that to stand before kings requires purity of heart as well.

Proverbs 2:11 teaches us, “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

Purity is a prized quality. Ivory soap promotes itself to be 99 & 44/100% pure. Automobile engines will not run properly on gasoline that has water in it. Surgeons go to extraordinary lengths to establish and maintain a sterile field during surgery. Food that is spoiled can sicken or even kill those who eat it.

Purity of heart implies a lack of a moral stain, a lack of a social stain, and a lack of a spiritual stain. It is a tough standard, but one that generates respect. Purity of heart allows people to trust our motives and it legitimizes our words and actions because they are unadulterated by evil and selfishness.

Finally, to stand before kings requires diligence.

Proverbs 22:29 reminds us, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

Diligence is not an exciting word for the culture of the 21st Century, but it should be. Do you want to get noticed? Do you want to be influential? If so, be good at what you do.

People who are diligent and work hard achieve much. Diligent salespeople sell more than those who aren’t. Diligent builders build more than those who aren’t. Diligent writers write more than those who aren’t.

Diligent people may not achieve fame, but they do achieve influence.  Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah were good at their jobs, and they could stand before kings unashamed. Christians are laborers together with God. How do we stand before Him today?

Conclusion.

In conclusion, none of us may ever stand before a leader of great power, but who knows? Joseph never expected to stand before a king, and neither did Daniel, Nehemiah, nor did Esther. They succeeded just like the pilot of Marine One did. They developed the necessary qualities before being summoned to the throne.

Whether or not we ever stand before an earthly king, we all stand before the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Therefore, to serve Him as best as we can, we need to seek God’s wisdom. We need to learn to speak the truth in love. We need to be pure of heart and we need to be diligent. 

When we learn to do things God’s way, we can stand before anyone without fear, but especially Him!

Thanks so much for visiting with me today! I'll be back soon with another word from the Bible that we can share together.

Every blessing,

Dr. Otis Corbitt