Proverbs 19:10

Fools do not deserve favor, liberty, or reward; it is not appropriate or right for them (Pr 26:1). A man without wisdom or that does not rule his spirit should instead be rebuked and punished (Pr 18:6; 19:19; 26:3). Fools should not be allowed joy or privileges, because honor or pleasure encourages them to continue in their folly (Pr 1:32; 10:13).

It is even worse when employees take liberties with employers or citizens do so with rulers. Employees and citizens should know their place, stay in their subordinate roles, and yield to the office and person over them. God and Solomon compared those that leave their place to a bird wandering from its nest, which brings much harm (Pr 27:8).

Solomon was a good king over Israel, and he taught wisdom by use of these proverbs. To promote wisdom in a nation, fools must be dishonored, rebuked, and punished. If this practice is not followed, then folly will become acceptable or even honorable, which will destroy the glory and success of a nation. Furthermore, the essential respect of authority requires servants and princes to keep their respective offices and roles without confusion.

It is ridiculous to honor fools and allow them freedom or pleasure. Folly is despicable and damning, so fools should be despised and punished. Any other action encourages fools in their folly and discourages the pursuit of wisdom. It sends the wrong message to the nation, especially the young and impressionable. It is better to punish fools, for it has a wonderful effect on observers (Pr 19:25; 21:11; Deut 13:6-11; 21:18-21; I Tim 5:20).

America exalts fools and folly. Actors and actresses, the most lascivious and least productive members of society, are called stars. Grown men playing children’s ball games are worshipped as heroes. Rap is called music and allowed on the airwaves. Picasso is hailed as an artist. University students are polled for opinions. Gambling is accepted as a legitimate vacation. Sodomy is called gay. Adultery is called an affair.

Comedians are a profession. Bonnie, Clyde, Jane, and Marilyn are celebrities for crime, sedition, and adultery. Sitcoms dominate primetime. Children mock and rebel against parents. The Beatles, clanging merchants of drugs and fornication, are made rich and memorialized. Fraternities are hotbeds of drunkenness and whoredom. Performing artists rail on government policy. “Beavis and Butthead” actually aired, for five years.

Is it any wonder that maturity once expected in the teen years is now missing at 30? Is it any wonder that a typical American conversation is centered on movies or sports? These are the two most worthless thieves of conscience and time in the nation. Jokes in the pulpit are common, heterosexual and married parents without a divorce are nearly gone, and April Fool’s Day is a national delight. Folly has been dignified in America, and the rest of the world rushes to copy the West. Solomon would be horrified. God is angry.

It is even more ridiculous to allow servants the right to question, control, or punish princes. Authority and submission to it are absolutely essential for the success of a state or any other institution. If rebellion against authority is allowed, then anarchy at all levels and in all spheres of authority will soon follow. The present disorder and dysfunction in America’s schools, homes, and other institutions are observable proofs of this result.

Employees, whether hired or owned, are called servants in the Bible. Employers, whether paying or owning, are called masters. Magistrates in civil government are called princes. King Solomon, the wisest man ever, committed his life to the analysis of what is good and right for humanity. Fools being exalted, the rich being despised, princes being forced to comply, and servants taking advantage of princes all sickened him (Eccl 10:6-7).

When listing things that trouble society and are truly unbearable, he included servants with authority or influence (Pr 30:21-23). Where does this folly begin? He observed that this terrible error came from rulers allowing it to occur (Eccl 10:5). It is the fault of leaders for allowing their authority or authority in general to be questioned, resisted, or overthrown. Only the military has preserved a little authority, for obvious reasons.

What about America? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The truth is rather that their Creator has made great differences in human ability, offices, and purposes. He has also assigned specific responsibilities to all men, including the securing of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for the righteous and wise only. Fools may not deserve any of the three.

Consider further. “Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” Without serious qualifications, this statement is the basis for anarchy, for it teaches that rebellion and revolution are justified whenever you want leaders that will better serve your wishes.

Where does such a philosophy lead? It protects labor unions, which are conspiratorial and seditious efforts of servants (employees) to overthrow princes (owners and managers). This is simple rebellion and revolution. The servants, unable to grasp reality, do not realize that without the authority, creativity, courage, and capital of princes, they would be reduced to huts, garden vegetables, or rabbits from the woods. The prosperity of a capitalistic society results from princes having their authority, creativity, courage, and capital protected from such ignorant thugs. But America has institutionalized rebellion!

Thankfully, one American prince would not tolerate it! In August of 1981, President Ronald Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers that had walked off their jobs to demand more wages for less work. Fewer replacements did a better job with increasing air traffic! Of course! The strikers were base and rebellious servants without regard for national laws, economic and safety concerns of others, or their already excessive wages.

Authority must be restored and promoted at all levels in all spheres or America will continue to decline morally and economically. This must begin in the home, where God’s laws must be exemplified and taught. Wives must obey and reverence their husbands (Eph 5:22-24,33). Children must obey and honor their parents (Eph 6:1-3). The father must honor his employer (I Pet 2:18-21), pastor (Heb 13:17), and rulers (I Pet 2:13-17). Are these ideas old-fashioned? Indeed! The old paths of God’s word (Jer 6:16; Jude 1:3)!

What will you do to promote wisdom over folly? You should not give delight to a fool, because he does not deserve it; joy will further corrupt his perverse heart, and it will encourage his folly. What will you do to promote God’s ordained authority? Will you submit cheerfully and fully to those God has placed over you, whether parent, husband, employer, pastor, or civil government? Do you defend those in authority, regardless of differences with them and the rebels that oppose them? You can make a difference!