Proverbs 16:12

12 It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness.

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 Divine inspiration is on the lips of the king, so his mouth must be faithful when he judges.
11 The balance and scales of justice have their origin in ADONAI; all the weights in the bag are his doing.
12 It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness.
13 The king should delight in righteous lips, and he should love someone who speaks what is right.
14 The king's anger is a herald of death, and one who is wise will appease it.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.