Proverbes 20:28

28 La bonté et la vérité garderont le roi; il soutient son trône par la bonté.

Proverbes 20:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king
Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice; these preserve him in the affections of his people, and make him safe and secure on his throne; and because of these the Lord preserves him from his enemies. It maybe rendered, "grace and truth" F12; and applied to Christ, who is full of both, and which are said to preserve him, ( Psalms 40:11 ) ; and his throne is upholden by mercy;
this explains what is meant by the preservation of him, and what is the security of his throne and kingdom, which is clemency and goodness to his subjects.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (tmaw dox) "gratis et veritas", Cocceius.

Proverbes 20:28 In-Context

26 Le roi sage dissipe les méchants, et fait tourner la roue sur eux.
27 L'esprit de l'homme est une lampe de l'Éternel; il sonde les profondeurs de l'âme.
28 La bonté et la vérité garderont le roi; il soutient son trône par la bonté.
29 La force des jeunes gens est leur gloire, et les cheveux blancs sont l'honneur des vieillards.
30 Les meurtrissures des plaies sont la correction du méchant, ainsi que les coups qui atteignent les profondeurs des entrailles.
The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.