The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. Proverbs 29:4 KJV
Who is a king: a person who either by birth or by choice of people occupy a seat of authority and influence. It also signifies a person who has control over a definite territory as well as subjects who recognise and accept and respond to that authority. Of course, being a king would also require sensitive decisions to be made sometimes, and this is where most people in authority take decisions that could make or mar their destinies.
Let it be made clear here that any person who is responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of another individual is in authority over that person. This extract would therefore apply to you. When it is time to take a decision, what do you consider: how it affects you, how much you stand to gain from it, or how God can be glorified in it? It is by the right judgment that a land is established. No man can by force of war or earthly wisdom preserve a land; it is by alignment with God and an obedience to His commands that such a land enjoys God's peace.
The opposite is equally true. If all I care about is what I gain, and judgement for me is for the highest bidder, the destruction of the land is just a matter of time. Gifts do blind, and men who are led astray by it are not wise. It is by bribes and gifts that oppression and injustice abound.
I take stock again and ask myself: how am I discharging my responsibility over the people God has placed under me and above me? Do I set the right example or am I a bad influence? The land I have been placed will be affected by my decisions so I must be careful. His time of favour is here.
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