“We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers.” 1 Timothy 1:8-9
Laws are created to restrain the rebels, the ungodly and the sinful. Laws are an enforced way of controlling bad behaviour. Wise people don’t need laws because they are self-controlled. Their wisdom tells them to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. They don’t need external incentives to behave well.