“The man who cried out that he could not breathe and his life was taken from him, he was crying out for justice, he was crying out for equality, he was crying out for all people, regardless of race, creed or color, who believed in those things. I think change is coming. I believe that unfortunately his death is going to help move this country forward.” That’s what Myrlie Evers-Williams said Thursday about the death of George Floyd, and many of those who are engaging in protests all over the country obviously agree. They want progress, and they believe that getting enough people organized is the key to getting things done.

And even though Solomon was an absolute monarch, he did not disagree with the importance of marshalling public opinion: “In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, but in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin” (Proverbs 14:28). After all, David had no power when he was on the run from Saul and later from Absalom. Only when a king commands the respect and allegiance of his people can he take any sort of action.

But once they have power, what should kings, governors and presidents do with it? Solomon gives us a hint: “The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully” (Proverbs 14:35). In other words, Solomon agrees with Paul that one of the most important functions of government is to reward the good and punish the evil (Romans 13:3-4). A movement, a country thus moves forward only if it is moving in the right direction.

So, what is the right direction? What should we do about the death of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery? How can we help ensure that justice is done for all Americans? Solomon agrees that oppressing people just because they are poor is not just bad policy. No, because all human beings are made in the image of God, every human life deserves to be treated with respect and even reverence: “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker” (Proverbs 14:31). And in the same verse, he points us in the direction of a solution: “But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” In other words, those who are privileged with wealth and power should be willing to share with those who have neither. And didn’t Jesus teach the same sort of compassion in His powerful story about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)?

But if it’s helpful to get people organized so they can point out society’s problems, and if it’s right for the rich and powerful to help the poor, it does no good to anyone to allow his or her anger to boil over, insulting police officers and destroying property and lives in riots. After all, Solomon points out that “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). If we really want to improve society for everyone, we all need more reason and respect, not more rage.

Yesterday, Vicksburg set a good example for all of us during its peaceful, prayerful demonstration to remember George Floyd and to call for equal justice. Mayor George Flagg, who is black, and Sheriff Martin Pace, who is white, helped lead the march. WJTV quoted Joyce Jones, one of those attending, as saying, “Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins. He didn’t just die for only blacks or only whites or only Mexicans. He died on the cross, He shed His blood for every race and He loves us all.”

And Solomon, the ancient Jewish man, would agree with this modern black woman from Mississippi. For that sort of divine wisdom is crucial if we are to build a truly just society: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). In short, the only way we can “move forward” is to move toward God’s will, to walk with Jesus in the way of truth and justice, of love and peace. That’s why Solomon can conclude, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Proverbs 14:26-35 (NASB)

26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the bosom of fools it is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.