Verse 3

(for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation

Referenced Verses

  • Deut 25:1 : 1 If controversy arises between people, they should go to court for judgment. When the judges hear the case, they shall exonerate the innocent but condemn the guilty.
  • Prov 14:35 : 35 The king shows favor to a wise servant, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
  • Prov 20:2 : 2 The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.
  • Eccl 10:4-6 : 4 If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses. 5 I have seen another misfortune on the earth: It is an error a ruler makes. 6 Fools are placed in many positions of authority, while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.
  • Jer 22:15-18 : 15 Does it make you any more of a king that you outstrip everyone else in building with cedar? Just think about your father. He was content that he had food and drink. He did what was just and right. So things went well with him. 16 He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. So things went well for Judah.’ The LORD says,‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.’ 17 But you are always thinking and looking for ways to increase your wealth by dishonest means. Your eyes and your heart are set on killing some innocent person and committing fraud and oppression. 18 So the LORD has this to say about Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim of Judah: People will not mourn for him, saying,“This makes me sad, my brother! This makes me sad, my sister!” They will not mourn for him, saying,“Poor, poor lord! Poor, poor majesty!”
  • Rom 13:4 : 4 because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong.
  • 1 Pet 3:13-14 : 13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.
  • 1 Pet 2:13-14 : 13 Submission to Authorities Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme 14 or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.