The wise man who authored the book of Ecclesiastes wrote about what he learned as he observed and experienced life “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
One of the things he observed was the effect of government bureaucracy. Many in this country want bigger government. Those currently in office are pushing for this as well with increased spending, regulations, and powers. Notice what the wise man had to say about the benefits of bigger government:
“If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8).
Notice that he does not mention a benefit of bigger government. The poor were oppressed and justice and righteousness were denied despite – or perhaps because of – the bureaucracy.
Someone might ask how this could be. The officials in place were supposed to make sure the poor were helped and that justice was carried out. But this is the way it is. Look at our country. Despite all the money the government spends to help the poor and all the programs they have started, poverty is still a problem in this country. So many people who are looking to the government to help remain in their poor condition. Some will say we need more programs or spend more money. The wise man observed and noted that this will not work. Make government bigger. Expand the bureaucracy. The poor will still be oppressed and justice and righteousness will still be denied.
The problem is this: The more government grows and the more it tries to provide, the more people will put their trust in and rely upon the government. This is completely contrary to what the Bible teaches. We are told, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5), not trust in the civil government. We are to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” not the seat of government, “so that we may…find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
According to the Bible, civil government has a certain role: provide and maintain a secure environment, punish evildoers, and protect the innocent (1 Timothy 2:2-3; Romans 13:3-4). A large bureaucracy is not needed to do these things.
Big government does not make things better. Turning to God and doing things His way is what makes things better.
This article is one of the fifty articles included in the book Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Click on the link to read more about the book.
