How does a wise person approach authority? Respect is an integral part of wisdom. The scriptures are filled with heroes and heroines of the faith that boldly disagreed or resisted against authority figures, but this never led to disrespect. A wise person always honors those who have authority over them, regardless of whether they agree with them or not. We live in a culture where we confuse disagreement with disrespect. Though it may be hard for some to believe, it is possible to love and respect someone while strongly disagreeing with them.
A wise person always honors and respects those in authority because they understand two things. The first has to do with empathy; a wise person understands that leadership and authority is a heavy burden. Leadership is a stewardship that you will one day have to give an account for. Secondly, a wise person knows that there will come a time in which he/she will be in a position of leadership and will reap what they have sown in the past. If you were loyal and honorable as a follower you will have honorable and loyal followers when you lead. But, if you are divisive and rebellious as a follower, what kind of followers do you think you will attract when you lead?