What is the government supposed to do about good works versus evil?
Government is not to be a terror to good works; it is supposed to be a terror to the evil and criminal element. Its God-given role is protection, helping people pursue happiness, while restraining wrongdoing. Rulers are therefore God's ministers for maintaining order, not intimidating those who do good.
Les explains from this passage that government exists because God has given it for our protection and to help us pursue a life of happiness. In that role, rulers are not a terror to good works, but the ruler is supposed to be a terror to the evil element and the criminal element. That is what government is for. Because government protects us and provides what we need, we are to give ourselves under its control and pay taxes; tribute means taxes. Les notes that government needs tax money to operate, even though we may think we pay too much, and Scripture says to render to all their dues.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
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