Good qualities of righteous king

Good qualities of righteous king

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. (Proverbs 30:29-31)

There are three things which are majestic in pace, The fourth one is stately in walk:

A lion does not flee from his pursuers, whether men or beasts, but walks away with a slow and majestic pace. The first three things are stately in march, and the fourth thing is stately in going. The fourth thing, in other words, is comely in going; very beautiful and lovely to look at as they walk.

A greyhound's loins are slender, and, as it were, girt up into a little compass, known for its great agility and swiftness.

A he-goat also marches at the head of the flock in a grave and stately manner, conducting them with great courage and resolution, and being ready to fight for them, either with beasts or men that oppose him.

A king and his people with him, a king when he has the hearts and hands of his people going along with him in his undertakings is comely in going; very beautiful and lovely to look at.

A righteous rule of a king is the best thing. It is much better than the valour of a lion, the agility and swiftness of a greyhound, the great courage and resolution of a he-goat. A wicked king can have all these animal qualities. But a righteous king who rules his people out of love and affection surpasses the good qualities of these animals.

What matters here is not the outward stately show but the inward and hidden qualities of love and affection which are manifested in the administration of righteousness and justice.

Next....Effects of wrath