Add parallel Print Page Options

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval,(A)

Read full chapter

If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post,
    for calmness will undo great offenses.(A)

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as great an error as if it proceeded from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.(B)

Read full chapter

13 For the Lord’s sake be subject to every human authority,[a] whether to the emperor as supreme(A) 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2.13 Or every authority ordained for humans

15 Are you a king
    because you compete in cedar?
Did not your father eat and drink
    and do justice and righteousness?
    Then it was well with him.(A)
16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy;
    then it was well.
Is not this to know me?
    says the Lord.(B)
17 But your eyes and heart
    are only on your dishonest gain,
for shedding innocent blood,
    and for practicing oppression and violence.(C)

18 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah:

They shall not lament for him, saying,
    “Alas, my brother!” or “Alas, sister!”
They shall not lament for him, saying,
    “Alas, lord!” or “Alas, his majesty!”(D)

Read full chapter

The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion;
    anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.(A)

Read full chapter

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
    but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.(A)

Read full chapter

25 “Suppose two persons have a dispute and enter into litigation, and the judges decide between them, declaring one to be in the right and the other to be in the wrong.(A)

Read full chapter

13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right,[a] you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear,[b] and do not be intimidated,(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3.14 Or for righteousness’ sake
  2. 3.14 Gk their fear

for it is God’s agent for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority[a] does not bear the sword in vain! It is the agent of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 13.4 Gk it