He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To The Lord: Prov 3:5-8
5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The Book of Judges ends with these words.
Judges 21:25 King James Version (KJV) In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.Here is how John Wesley remarked on that verse.
Right in his own eyes — What wonder was it then, if all wickedness overflowed the land? Blessed be God for magistracy! (from http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=wes&b=7&c=21)Nonetheless, that cryptic remark did not seem to be sufficient. Therefore, in a latter era King Solomon addressed the same issue in the Book of Proverbs.
(2) God has promoted kings, that they may promote justice. As they have a sword in their hand, to signify their power; so they have a sceptre, an emblem of justice. It is said of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, that he allotted one hour of the day to hear the complaints of those who were oppressed. Kings place judges as cherubim about the throne, for distribution of justice. These political fathers are to be honoured. Honour the king.’ 1 Pet 2: 17. This honour is to be shown by a civil respect to their persons, and a cheerful submission to their laws; so far as they agree and run parallel with God’s law. Kings are to be prayed for, which is a part of the honour we give them. I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, be made for kings, that we may lead a quiet, peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.’ 1 Timothy 2 :1. We are to pray for kings, that God would honour them to be blessings; that under them we may enjoy the gospel of peace, and the peace of the gospel. How happy was the reign of Numa Pompilius, when swords were beaten into ploughshares, and bees made hives of the soldiers’ helmets!
Marilyn U. Oneal – Thank you for your quotation. http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/classics/ten_fifth.html