Proverbs 16:12

12 They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the throne is established by justice.

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 Divination is in the lips of the king, his mouth shall not err in judgment.
11 Weight and balance are judgments of the Lord: and his work all the weights of the bag.
12 They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the throne is established by justice.
13 Just lips are the delight of kings: he that speaketh right things shall be loved.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: and the wise man will pacify it.
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