Romans 13:4

In context

2So whoever sets himself against the authority is standing against what God has arranged, and those who stand against it will bring judgment on themselves. 3Rulers are no terror to good conduct, only to bad. Do you want to live without fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will have its praise; 4it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid: the sword it carries is not for show. It is God’s servant, an agent of wrath against the wrongdoer. 5That is why you must submit—not only because of the wrath, but because of your conscience. 6It is also why you pay taxes: the authorities are God’s ministers, giving their full attention to this very work.