We are blessed to live in an era where we can vote for our own national leaders. But when the Bible was being written, there weren't any presidents—only kings. So does the Bible have anything to say about the kind of person we should vote for as president? Yes!

The Book of Proverbs provides timeless wisdom on many current topics. Below are eight principles from Proverbs that we should consider when deciding who to vote for to lead our nation:

1. The president should always discern good from evil.
   "When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good" (Prov. 20:8, NLT).

2. The president's decisions should reflect God's values.
   "God's verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment" (Prov. 16:10, HCSB).
   God's wisdom cries out, "By me kings reign and rulers decree justice" (Prov. 8:15, NASB).

3. The president should do the right thing for the nation, never taking bribes.
   "It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness" (Prov. 16:12, NASB).
   "By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man who demands 'contributions' demolishes it" (Prov. 29:4, HCSB).

4. The president should treat the poor with justice, honor, and mercy.
   "A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people as a roaring lion or a charging bear. A ruler without wisdom will be cruel, but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time" (Prov. 28:15-16, NCV).
   "If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever" (Prov. 29:14, NASB).

5. The president should inspire people to be good.
   "The kings' favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, but his anger is toward him who acts shamefully" (Prov. 14:35, NASB).
   "A wise king sorts out the evil people, and he punishes them as they deserve" (Prov. 20:26, NCV).
   "He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend" (Prov. 22:11, NASB).

6. The president should surround himself or herself with people of high and noble character.
   "Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness" (Prov. 25:5, HCSB).
   "If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked" (Prov. 29:12, NET).

7. The president should be free from a desire to drink alcohol or take drugs.
   "Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel, and rulers should not desire beer" (Prov. 31:4, NCV).

8. The president should be humble enough to learn.
   "It is the glory of God to hide things but the glory of kings to investigate them" (Prov. 25:2, GW).

Many other considerations—such as a candidate's positions on issues—must be included when deciding who should receive your vote. But as you evaluate your options, keep these principles from Proverbs in mind.