Proverbs 16:12

12 Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair.

Proverbs 16:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:12

[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness
The Targum is,

``the abomination of kings are they that work wickedness.''
It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness themselves, and those that do it should be abhorred by them, or they should show their resentment at it by removing them from their presence, or by punishing them: and though there have been such kings as David, ( Psalms 101:4 Psalms 101:7 ) ; yet there are but few such; this is not true of kings in common; and therefore rather expresses what they should be than what they are; but is perfectly applicable to Christ, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity, ( Psalms 45:7 ) ; for the throne is established by righteousness;
this is the support, strength, and security of every kingdom, and of the thrones of kings; and it is with judgment and righteousness that the throne of Christ is established; yea, justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne, ( Isaiah 9:7 ) ( Psalms 89:14 ) .

Proverbs 16:12 In-Context

10 The words of a king are like a message from God, so his decisions should be fair.
11 The Lord wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work.
12 Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair.
13 Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth.
14 An angry king can put someone to death, so a wise person will try to make him happy.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.