When Do We Risk Wrath?

(Proverbs 16:14 KJV)  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

You may be familiar with the phrase “speaking truth to power”.  I have always been a little vague on what it means but since it usually is referring to a left leaning demonstrator lifting a fist to a policeman I get the impression it means standing up to people in power over a matter of principle.  It is the little guy refusing to buckle to the pressure of the United States government.  It is the thing of which movies and books are made.  It seems to be a very American thing.

It may not be a Biblical thing.  This verse warns us about the “wrath” (2534) of people in power.  It is a warning about tweaking the nose of the lion.  It is not “wise” (2450). 

Or it might be a Biblical thing.  Remember Peter’s response to the Sanhedrin.

(Acts 4:18-19 KJV)  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

And think of Jesus refusing to cooperate with Pilate. 

So?  Which is it?  Are we to moderate our rhetoric or speak truth to power?  As with so much in our walk of faith it depends on the circumstances.  If the issue is just political power then it is time to be moderate.  If it is a matter of clear spiritual principle, it is time to stand up and be counted.  We live in troubling times.  I pray that we will know the difference.