Proverbs 16:12

16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. the weights: Heb. the stones

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

KJV

It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

What does Proverbs 16:12 mean?

Proverbs 16:12 is a verse in the book of Proverbs, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include תּוֹעֵבַה (tôwʻêbah), מֶלֶךְ (melek), עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh).

Hebrew interlinear

abominationתּוֹעֵבַהtôwʻêbah/to-ay-baw'/H8441properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

kingsמֶלֶךְmelek/meh'-lek/H4428a king

commitעָשָׂהʻâsâh/aw-saw'/H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

wickedness:רֶשַׁעreshaʻ/reh'-shah/H7562a wrong (especially moral)

for

the

throneכִּסֵּאkiççêʼ/kis-say'/H3678properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied)

establishedכּוּןkûwn/koon/H3559properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous)

righteousness.צְדָקָהtsᵉdâqâh/tsed-aw-kaw'/H6666rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Commentary on Proverbs 16:12

HENRY_FULL · Proverbs 16:12

Here is, 1. The character of a good king, which Solomon intended not for his own praise, but for instruction to his successors, his neighbours, and the viceroys under him. A good king not only does justice, but it is an abomination to him to do otherwise. He hates the thought of doing wrong and perverting justice; he not only abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors to do any himself, though, having power, he might easily and safety do it. 2. The comfort of a good king: His throne is established by righteousness. He that makes conscience of using his power aright shall find that to be the best security of his government, both as it will oblige people, make them easy, and keep them in the interest of it, and as it will obtain the blessing of God, which will be a firm basis to the throne and a strong guard about it. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Topics

Rulers

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Proverbs 16:12.

1 Kings 10:9

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

1 Kings 2:12

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

1 Kings 2:24

Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.

1 Kings 2:45

And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.

1 Kings 3:6

And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. mercy: or, bounty

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Deuteronomy 13:14

Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

Frequently asked questions

What does Proverbs 16:12 say?

Proverbs 16:12 (King James Version) reads: "It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness."

Is Proverbs 16:12 in the Old or New Testament?

Proverbs 16:12 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Proverbs.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 16:12, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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