Proverbs 16:12

12 An abomination to kings [is] doing evil, for by righteousness the throne will be established.

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 A decision is upon the lips of a king; in judgment his mouth will not sin.
11 A balance and scales of justice [belong] to Yahweh; all the weights of the bag [are] his work.
12 An abomination to kings [is] doing evil, for by righteousness the throne will be established.
13 The delight of kings [are] the lips of righteousness, and he who speaks what is upright he will love.
14 The wrath of a king [is] a messenger of death, but one who is wise will appease it.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.