Rulers: Character and Qualifications of

Scripture references

Gen 41:33 Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set
Exo 18:21, 22 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing,
Exo 23:8 Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the
Deu 1:13 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of
Deu 16:18–20 You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town
Deu 27:19 ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless,
2Sa 23:3, 4 The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules
Ezr 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are
Psa 2:10, 11 Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. /
Psa 72:1–17 Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the
Pro 16:10, 12 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray
Pro 17:7 Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a
Pro 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on
Pro 20:8, 26, 28 A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his
Pro 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it
Pro 24:23–26 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is
Pro 25:2, 3, 5 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to
Pro 28:2, 16 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and
Pro 29:2, 4, 14 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the
Pro 31:4, 5, 8, 9 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine,
Ecc 8:4 For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you
Ecc 10:16, 17 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in
Isa 5:22, 23 Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing
Isa 16:5 in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A
Isa 28:6 a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those
Isa 60:17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of
Jer 13:18 Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your
Rom 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give
Rom 13:1–7 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is
1Ti 2:1, 2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and
1Pe 2:13, 14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,