My key reflection at the start of 2016 is from Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
This principle applies at all levels, whether one is ruling over kids in kindergarten, or over a farm, or in a corporate firm, or in government, or even on the roads as a traffic officer.
Here, then, seven characteristics of the righteous, according to the Bible:
1. They don’t take bribes (Exodus 23:8), for a bribe blinds the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. Instead they judge without favouritism.
2. They do not consult the wicked (Proverbs 18:5; cf Psalm 1:5)
3. They may suffer hostility and hatred for doing right, but, ultimately, God delivers them out of the trouble (Psalm 34:19)
4. Their earnings are honourable, and they are contented with the little they may have compared to the riches of the corrupt (Psalm 37:16)
5. They are kind and considerate to the poor and, to animals (Proverbs 29:7; Pr 12:10)
6. God’s favour is on them (Psalm 34:15), and the Lord Himself directs their actions (Psalm 37:23)
7. They leave a legacy; will be remembered fondly (Psalm 112:6)
Haron Wachira 