Proverbs 31:5 Commentary and Bible Study

To rule is to take responsibility for the welfare of the people. The ruler’s task is to administer justice without fear or favour, as one placed above the people who represents the law of God and is ultimately accountable to him. It is to exercise wisdom in establishing law and order, in ensuring safety, and in promoting prosperity and health of the people, and especially by protecting the afflicted. These might be individuals who have fallen victim to oppressors who use their power to enrich themselves at their expense. They manipulate the justice system to get cases decided in their favour, or they impose hard work conditions on them and long hours in order to exploit their labour. It would also include those people who suffer from natural disasters, famine and flood – what can the king do to relieve their suffering? The king in ancient time was also a judge. What might cause him to pervert justice? Obviously, a desire for approval from men which is stronger than the desire to please the Lord. The king must be blind to the favour of those who would try to bend justice in their favour. He must protect the weak who are being exploited by the strong, but, equally, he must not favour the weak just because they are weak when they are doing evil (Leviticus 19:15). His eye is on the Lord who in due time will be his own judge. To do this great work he must keep himself free from intoxication.