Voting is a mechanism that allows the constituents of a society to select their leaders and decide on public policies. It is a fundamental element of a democratic system, giving each eligible person an equal chance to influence political decisions. A democratic society fosters freedom of thought, action and choice, which may lead some people to question whether the principles hovering over them align with the teachings of the Bible.
What does the Bible say about Voting?
The Bible does not explicitly discuss the topic of voting. Given the differences in political structure when the Bible was written, the direct concept of ‘voting’ as we understand it in modern democracies is not explicitly addressed. Despite this, the Bible does provide guidance that can inform a Christian’s attitude towards participation in democratic governance. The Bible emphasizes principles such as justice, righteousness, and regard for the common good. These tenets hint at the importance of making decisions that align with ethical principles, which can be applied to the act of voting.
Where in the Bible can I find guidance on Voting?
In the Bible, you will come across several passages that indirectly pertain to voting. For instance, it teaches us to respect governmental authorities, indirectly guiding us to participate in democracy. It acknowledges the idea of societal leaders making sound and wise decisions, highlighting the wisdom of Solomon, for instance. It talks about the importance of having leaders who are fair, just, and trustworthy. The Bible also points to the significance of community and collective decisions, suggesting the importance of collective engagement, which may be extrapolated to voting.
When should I consider the Bible’s Influence on Voting?
As a Christian, you can seek guidance from the Bible in all aspects of your life, including voting. When contemplating whether to vote, consider the Biblical principles of righteousness, justice, and respect for authorities. The Bible places importance on wisdom and understanding, which implies the need to make well-informed decisions. Apply these principles when choosing your candidates. Vote for individuals whose goals and actions align with these principles.
Why does the Bible’s teaching matter in Voting?
The Bible’s teaching matters in voting because it shapes how Christians live, think, and make decisions. It promotes integrity, righteousness, and responsibilities to society, all of which can guide voting behavior. The Bible encourages us to seek leaders who are just and wise, much like the kings of Israel were expected to be. It encourages making collective and communal decisions, suggesting that the responsibility of electing leaders belongs to everyone. It also emphasizes making choices that support the common good, implying that we should vote for leaders who will act in society’s best interest.
Who does the Bible suggest we vote for?
While the Bible does not explicitly name who we should vote for, it does provide guidelines on the qualities and values good leaders should possess, and by extension, the kind of leaders we should support. The Bible advocates for leaders who are fair, wise, and upstanding. This suggests that as Christians, we should look for these traits in those for whom we cast our vote. We should support candidates whose policies and actions promote justice, peace, and the common good, aligning with the Bible’s teachings on social responsibility and moral righteousness.
Below is our full list of bible verses on voting (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Voting
Deuteronomy 1:13
“13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.”
Related Themes: Leadership Hate Politics
Proverbs 29:2
“2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Politics Leadership
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Ecclesiastes 10:2
“2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.”
Titus 3:1-11
“1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
“14 When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.”
Psalm 22:28
“28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty
Proverbs 21:1
“1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Reputation Omnipotence Justice Politics
Exodus 18:17-26
“17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.”
Acts 13:48
“48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty
Psalm 146:3-10
“3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.”
Acts 5:29
“29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Obedience Morality Pleasing God Politics
2 Thessalonians 2:13
“13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
Related Themes: Holiness Glorification Salvation
Proverbs 14:34
“34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Related Themes: Politics Righteousness Morality
2 Chronicles 7:14
“14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Related Themes: Repentance Humility Healing Prayer Revival
1 Peter 1:2
“2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
Related Themes: Holiness Glorification Peace Holy Spirit
John 15:16
“16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
Related Themes: Ordination Prayer Identity Asking For Help
Judges 8:23
“23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.”
Related Themes: Politics
2 Timothy 1:9
“9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
Related Themes: Holiness Grace Glorification Foundation
Daniel 2:20-21
“20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Wisdom Change Seasons
Proverbs 16:33
“33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Omnipotence Gambling Chance
Mark 13:20
“20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”
2 Peter 1:10
“10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
Related Themes: Diligence Perseverance Hope Personal Responsibility
1 Peter 1:20
“20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,”
Related Themes: Foundation
Titus 1:6-9
“6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
1 Timothy 5:21
“21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”
Related Themes: Partiality Angels Equality
John 19:11
“11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Politics All Sins Being Equal
2 Peter 3:9
“9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Related Themes: Repentance Patience Attitude Suffering Quitting
Galatians 1:10
“10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Peer Pressure Dating Manipulation Opinions
John 14:27
“27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Related Themes: Peace Nervousness Loneliness Rest Hope
