If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
A ruler. Now that is an unfamiliar word to an American. Even the President must leave his post when his term ends.
First, let’s identify what this verse means in the context of Solomon’s time. It’s not terribly complicated.
Who is the ruler? It is the sovereign of the state. In the nation of Israel, this would have meant the king or his appointed representative.
If the king or a noble believes you have done something against the crown, whether correctly or incorrectly, what should you do?
Stay at home. Wait for them to come and take you away and explain your case when appropriate. Even if it is for a crime you have committed, Solomon says this will put the matter to bed.
Does that mean you won’t suffer? Honestly, that depends on what you did. There will be some consequences if you broke the law.
Remember though, the intensity of punishments during this time was much more extreme than the kind we experience today, potentially resulting in the loss of life and limb.
But, if the king is wrong about you, perhaps your best bet is to meet his anger calmly and present your case, at least that seems correct in a good monarchy.
Okay, now let’s take this to our modern times. First off, we have to answer a critical question. Who is sovereign in the United States of America?
You may be tempted to say POTUS, and you would be correct to some extent. The president fills the role of both executive and figurehead.
But, he doesn’t get his power by birth or by divine decree as kings did in the past. That power resides with another body.
It is in fact the people of this country. Power and authority do not come through succession or right, but in the election of the people.
What method then do the people express their will through? There are many answers, but one expression is the law.
When done properly, the police officer is an embodiment of the will of the people. They are powered by the laws of the land in order to protect the populace from criminals.
Now, you might say that you don’t agree with those laws, but that is what is great about America is you have the power to change them! That’s how you know sovereignty lies with us.
So, what do you do if a policeman is after you? According to this passage, wisdom teaches us to react to the situation with calmness, whether in the right or wrong.
If you are like me, you’ve noticed the tension building in the background of this conversation. Does this feel anywhere in line with how our culture sees and thinks about the police?
No. Cops seem not only under the gun for every action they take, but they also appear to not receive proper training as well.
They are portrayed as oppressor rather than protectors. In regards to the FBI, as actors of the government rather than defenders of the people.
Does this verse speak to that? Yes and no. It expects corruption in our peacekeepers. Remember? Earlier we read that even the offices of justice are corrupt.
What can you do in the face of noble institutions that act poorly?
Respond with temperance.
Ecclesiastes 10:4