Romans 13:3-5

International Children’s Bible

³ Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers. But people who do wrong must fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and the ruler will praise you. ⁴ He is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. The ruler has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong. ⁵ So you must obey the government. You must obey not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do.