Proverbs 25:5

5 Take away the wicked before a king, And established in righteousness is his throne.

Proverbs 25:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:5

Take away the wicked [from] before the king
Wicked ministers and counsellors; they are the "dross", worthless and useless; yea, hurtful and pernicious. The king is the "refiner", for whom the vessel is; the kingdom is the silver vessel refined; and which becomes much the better, when wicked men are removed from the court and cabinet council of kings; as well as the king is the happier, and his throne more firm and secure, as follows: and his throne shall be established in righteousness;
which he shall execute, wicked ministers being removed from him, who advised him to take unrighteous measures; and others being put in their room, who counsel him to do acts of justice; whereby his throne is secured, and he sits firm upon it, which before was tottering and shaking, and lie in great danger of being removed from it.

Proverbs 25:5 In-Context

3 The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings -- [are] unsearchable.
4 Take away dross from silver, And a vessel for the refiner goeth forth,
5 Take away the wicked before a king, And established in righteousness is his throne.
6 Honour not thyself before a king, And in the place of the great stand not.
7 For better [that] he hath said to thee, `Come thou up hither,' Than [that] he humble thee before a noble, Whom thine eyes have seen.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.