Do we obey earthly authorities? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 8.
Does wisdom brighten up the faces of those who possess it and those who listen?
Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything? A person’s wisdom brightens the expression; it changes the hardness of someone’s face. (Ecc 8:1 CEB)
Though human governments are often abusive and unjust, is it wise to obey them?
If you promised God that you would be loyal to the king, I advise you to keep that promise. Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind. The king's word is law. No one can ask him, “Why are you doing this?” If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it. (Ecc 8:2-5 CEV)
In a troubled world, where those in charge have power to hurt us, how much do we need wisdom?
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. (Ecc 8:6-9 ESV)
Who is the ultimate judge of those who prefer evil and those who are trying to live honest and upright lives?
In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. (Ecc 8:10-13 HCSB)
Under unjust governments where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer, what are the things in life that we can enjoy?
Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless. So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. (Ecc 8:14-15 ISV)
Can all the wisdom of this world help us understand the mysteries and power of God?
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (Ecc 8:16-17 KJV)
Within the limits of Christ’s commands, are we to be submissive to government laws?
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. (Rom 13:1 LSB)
Do we obey earthly authorities? You decide!
