Proverbs 20:8
A king that sits on a throne of judgment ; Scatters away all evil with his eyes
It is important that we remember that the kings of today are community leaders, whether they are political, civil, or entrepreneurial. These leaders sit in places of authority and leadership. We must also understand that not matter what culture we might come from, or view we might have, it is a universal truth that leadership is not freely given, but earned in one way or another. Some earn it by righteous means, some by not so righteous. Nevertheless, these leaders are in their places to do one thing, and that is to lead according to their heart, according as they see fit.
Let’s talk a minute about the “throne of judgment”. What is such a throne, and what significance does it possess? The writer is referring to the ability of the leader to judge wisely, discern righteousness, and establish truth. The throne does not make the leader, but the leader the throne. A throne is simply indicative of the type of leadership a leader possesses. If the leader is evil, so will be his throne, or place of authority; and therefore, so will all his decisions that flow from it. If the leader possesses an uncanny ability to judge righteously, then his throne will reflect the same. A mayor’s home, a governor’s mansion, and even the White House are all simply structures which house leadership. However, our perception of those places depends entirely upon the leaders that are dwelling in them at the time.
Finally, the writer gives us an incredible look into a dynamic of good leadership. Remember the writer is stating that this particular leader sits upon a throne of judgment. In other words, this leader has the ability to judge and discern truth. The dynamic of such a leader is what his eyes are able to do; drive away evil! The wisdom of his eyes scatters evil-doers from society like a light scatters cockroaches from the kitchen. The wicked, just like the cockroach, fears how the light in the hearts of righteous kings will expose their deceptions and wicked intentions upon the innocency of humanity.
Pastor LaVaughn
