Dear editor,

Some of the advice in the book of Proverbs actually gives us some advice concerning our duties in an earthly kingdom.

Quoting Proverbs 28:4, “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them.”

We reveal a lot when we approve of those who do not forsake the law. Good people need to oppose the wicked by influencing the world with Christian light, which may contribute to easing the antagonism between light and darkness and good and evil.

Edmond Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Nowhere are we to be utterly rebellious and disrespectful of civil authority. We should be obedient to civil government because the Lord wants us to.

The only exception might be when civil law tries to force a godly person to disobey God. Acts 5:29 says, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Then we would have to respectfully disobey. The Lord wants us to obey the laws of the land, which is not only our civic duty but also a religious one. But it is the duty of good people to oppose the wicked by influencing godly, righteous citizens in an upright and righteous way.

This was a subject that was discussed in a study group I attended, and it has never been more applicable than these days.

—Wynelle Folsom, Clanton.