Moses said, Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people (Exodus 22:28). This instruction is in both the Old and New Testament (Acts 23:5). It is crucial to be aware of this word, especially in the current political climate, where events seem designed to trigger emotions and stress. And while many may think this scripture applies solely to using coarse or foul language against leaders, the interaction between Shimei, David, and Solomon illustrates that this is not true. We must be careful how we speak to and about those in authority because God is watching and we can't hide what we say and think from Him.
When King David temporarily lost his throne to his son, Absalom, Shimei, a kinsman of Israel's first king, Saul, threw rocks at him. He accused David of killing Saul and his sons, saying, "You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!" (2 Samuel 16:7-8). Although a soldier wanted to kill the man for these and other insults, David responded, "...let him curse... It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore me His covenant blessing instead of His curse today" (2 Samuel 16:11-12). Absalom attempted to kill his father to solidify his claim to the throne, but he died in the ensuing battle, and when David returned to Jerusalem, Shimei sought forgiveness. David accepted that apology, but that wasn't the end of Shimei's story.
Before dying, David advised his successor, Solomon, to deal with Shimei. The new king invited Shimei to move into the city from the outskirts, but added a caveat - that he should never leave. Three years later, Shimei left Jerusalem to retrieve two servants who had fled. Solomon summoned him and pointed to his oath to never leave. And his error became clear when the king also reminded him of what he'd done to his late father. 1 Kings 2:44 - The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the LORD will repay you for your wrongdoing. But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.” Unable to defend himself, Shimei met an unfortunate end. In 1 Kings 2:46b, we learn, "The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands." This indicated that Shimei's behavior opened the young king to potential challenges from others who might be emboldened to go beyond the insults Shimei leveled and challenge Solomon for the throne. His death served as a lesson to all.
Shimei disobeyed God's instruction and reaped what he sowed. He is a reminder to be cautious when speaking to those in authority. The Bible teaches that rulers are only in power because God permitted them to be (Romans 13:1). And we are warned in Romans 13:2 - So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished (NLT). Further, Ecclesiastes 10:20 - Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter (NKJV). The Good News Translation of this verse states, Don't criticize the king, even silently, and don't criticize the rich, even in the privacy of your bedroom. A bird might carry the message and tell them what you said.
One might say that Shimei had every right to express himself. Someone could argue that if he hadn't assaulted David or expressed himself respectfully, then all would have been well. Maybe. I don't have all the answers, but I've learned God's wisdom is needed when dealing with those in authority. Vashti's story bears this out. Also, when people allow emotions to control their tongues, they say more than they should have or intended to. This is why we are told in Proverbs 10:19 - Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut (NLT). It is far too easy to get carried away when emotions are involved, and in so doing, an individual can quickly go from expressing an opinion to insulting and cursing leaders in disobedience of God's word.
Let's look at Shimei again. He was upset with David. That caused him to do and say too much. Most of his accusations were false. Sure, many people died in the years that led to David sitting on the throne. However, David played no role in the deaths of Saul and his oldest sons. They died in a battle that had nothing to do with him. Ishbosheth, Saul's remaining son, was betrayed by his war commander, the elders of his tribe, and was killed by two of his soldiers. Men whom David killed for murdering their leader. Saul had few heirs left, but his lame grandson, Mephibosheth, was adopted by David. He lived in the palace, was treated as a royal prince, and received all his father's assets, instantly going from poverty to wealth. Much of this information was likely common knowledge at the time.
Most importantly, God publicly selected David to replace Saul and his heirs as Israel's king. Thus, Shimei, in his anger, ended up slandering and cursing his king, which is something God despises and prohibits. How many of us, in frustration, have gone beyond what we know to speculate and potentially slander when expressing our opinions about leaders? How many of us have uttered curses in that process? Remember, the Bible does not show that Shimei used foul language when cursing David. It was his insults, likely stemming from genuine hurts for what happened to his kinsmen, that amounted to curses against the king. It is easy to do what he did, especially when dealing with polarizing leaders. This is partly why God warns us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). He knows that if we allow ourselves to meditate on certain things, they are sure to come past our lips, and when angry, the flood of words will lead to sin. Even with the best intentions at heart, we need to be wary not to sin, and obeying God's instructions will greatly help us.
What are we supposed to do when we see and hear about distasteful actions taken by our leaders? What about when they do offensive things or take steps that seem ungodly? God's word tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. Spiritual weapons such as fasting, intercession, and prayer are our primary means of creating change in the world around us. And even then, we still need to remember what Jesus said in Luke 22:42, "...not my will, but yours be done.” Like Him, we should submit our desires and opinions to God's will, knowing that He knows best. No matter what things look like, we must trust Him. His word states that His plans for us are good. They will bring success and not harm (Jeremiah 29:11). Plus, as we intercede for others, we can trust God to bless and care for our prayer subjects. This way, we focus more on what God is doing and less on what those in authority are doing.
The Lord may provide His children with additional strategies to address certain leaders and what they do. Such instructions may confuse those who don't know God and those who do. The key is to be led by Him and not our human desires, which tend to be spurred along by worldly wisdom, which produces no profit. None of this is easy and requires discipline, patience, and faith. We have to allow God to strengthen us in these areas. It is difficult to see people suffer because of choices made by those in authority, especially when such decisions appear arbitrary, unfair, or unscriptural. Nevertheless, trust God and wield the weapons of godly warfare. Try to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry per James 1:19. We might not have to fear the loss of life and the way things happened for Shimei, but our eternal souls are at risk and more important than the lives we currently lead.
If by chance, you believe reckless speech, pettiness, or revenge is justified because of the behavior and words of someone else, please beware. God has called those who believe in Him and His Son to focus on what they do, not what others do. On Judgment Day, each person will account for their actions and failures, not those of someone else. That person will be confronted with their choices, so worry about your race to heaven. Remember, Jesus said that many will say that they prophesied and performed miracles in His name, only to be rejected (Matthew 7:22). It is those who, by the grace of Jesus, kill their flesh to obey God's word that will make it on that day. The Lord will help each of us so we will neither follow Shimei's footsteps nor experience what he did, IJMN, Amen.
To learn more, click the hyperlinks above and read the messages below:
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Lord, I thank You. You who created the heavens, the seas, the earth, and everything in them. Glory be to Your wonderful and holy name!
Thank You for bringing Your children together for Your purpose this day. Thank You for the grace and privilege this constituted. You are worthy of all our praise!
Lord, I place each of today's participants before You for Your favor, grace, mercy, and protection to rest upon them. As they go on to continue their day, cover them under the shadow of Your marvelous hand. May they experience and witness Your power and might. May they welcome and accept with ease Your blessings and provisions. May they rejoice in You for the sweetness You place on their tongues. Thank You for hearing and answering not just this petition but those lifted during fellowship to You. Be Thou glorified forever. IJMN, Amen!