Kings judge the Earth and the Wise judge the Kings.
(Mivchar Peninim, Chochma, 26)
This interesting but enigmatic statement can be explained many different ways. One could interpret it to mean that even the mightiest dictator is transparent to his subjects who are wise. I am thinking of Shostakovich Stalin Symphony. A tyrant can control opinions and beliefs of almost all men under his dominion, but those in his kingdom who are wise, see right through him. Though he may render them silent, their minds and hearts curse him. Often he might think that his negative qualities, deceits, and flaws have been successfully hidden by propaganda and intimidation. But this is not so for there are many in his country that are wise. They know that he is notthing but a fraud
Another explanation is that Kings are there to establish justice and fairness in their land To to do so they need oversight and accountability to their advisors.
I suggest a more modern explanation. It is that the power of ideas is greater than the power of brute might. Especially in recent history, we have seen how the pen is mightier than the sword, how ideas overthrow the strongest monarchies and dictatorships. And how wisdom is ever more lasting than weapons.
The English author H.G. Wells is thought to have said, "Human history is, in essence, the history of ideas."
How right he was!
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