Verse 3

For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,

Referenced Verses

  • Deut 25:1 : 1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come to judgment, and [the judges] judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked;
  • Prov 14:35 : 35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
  • Prov 20:2 : 2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
  • Eccl 10:4-6 : 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler. 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
  • Jer 22:15-18 : 15 Shall you reign, because you strive to excel in cedar? Didn't your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him. 16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Wasn't this to know me? says Yahweh. 17 But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for shedding innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. 18 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! They shall not lament for him, [saying] Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!
  • Rom 13:4 : 4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
  • 1 Pet 3:13-14 : 13 Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."
  • 1 Pet 2:13-14 : 13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well.