25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver,
And there comes out a vessel for the smith;
5 Take away the wicked before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of great men;
7 For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
There are many striving for this or that, and in this passage we see the struggle for position and power. As the mind and heart of God is far above us, so is that of a king, or president, at least to some extent. The problems and decisions and struggles they have are far removed from that of everyday life. To choose what is best for a nation and to put the right people in authority, that is quite the chore.
We’ve seen a lot of shifts in our own nation in this regard, and Solomon warns us that the wicked should not be in such positions of authority. Seems obvious, as evil people aren’t interested in what is best for the people of their country, only what is best for them. Solomon likens it to taking the dross, or impurities, from silver. If you don’t, the smith will end up with a worthless object, tainted and stained.
We may not be up for Secretary of the Interior, or Supreme Court Justice, but what are we striving for? Are we seeking power and authority, are we perhaps striving for something that is beyond us? Solomon tells us it is better to be invited to such a position than to try and put ourselves in such a place. Some have no interest in politics or government, but some do aspire to that.
Yet listen to those around you, I think the best leaders are those who have been encouraged by others to pursue a position, rather than those who pursue it of their own ambition. How does one get there though? Solomon already gave us the formula, be silver rather than dross. Do what is before you today with purity and honesty. Serve others in your job, because that’s what all business is about–if it is done properly.
Do such an excellent job that those around you take notice, and then you will be promoted, or given more authority. And do not take it lightly, though it may appear to be given by man, it is truly a gift and appointment from God himself. Wherever you are, God can use you, so submit yourself to Him, and He will lift you up. Don’t be puffed up of your own ability, but always give all glory to God as you serve those He brings across your path.