When Do We Break the Rules?

(Proverbs 8:16 KJV)  By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

(Proverbs 8:16 NAS77)  "By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

We run into a translation problem here.  There are two different trains of translation on this verse.  One group of translators follow the NASB and point out that some judges rule rightly and some are just wrong.  The other group follows the KJV, as you can see above.

In the Hebrew one group has the word for “justice” but not the word for “earth.”  The other group is the opposite.  This must go back to the different texts.  I find that the NASB makes sense here and the KJV does not.

The NASB seems to imply that not all who “rule” (8323) do so with God’s mandate.  It only applies to those who “judge” (8199) “rightly” (6664).

Alongside of this we need to have Paul’s words about our relationship with the government.

(Romans 13:1 KJV)  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Also keep in mind the words of Peter.

(Acts 5:29 KJV)  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

So?  Our general attitude should be to obey the government and follow the rules.  The line is drawn when they cross the line and expect us to live in sin and disobedience.  Sometimes the line is clear sometimes it is vague.  Seek wisdom.