Proverbs 29:12

12 A ruler listening to a word of falsehood, all his officials are wicked.

Proverbs 29:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler hearken to lies
To men that tell them in order to soothe and flatter him, or to hurt the character and reputation of others, that they may raise their own: rulers should not listen to and encourage such sort of persons; for, as lying lips do not become a prince, so it is not right to have liars about him; David would not suffer such to dwell in his court, ( Psalms 101:7 ) ; all his servants [are] wicked;
or the greatest part of them: for a ruler of such a disposition will take none but such into his service, that flatter him, and calumniate others; and such a conduct, being pleasing and agreeable to him, is a temptation to his ministers to act the same wicked part; as is a prince, such are his courtiers; his example has a great influence upon them.

Proverbs 29:12 In-Context

10 Men of blood hate [the] blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool gives all his breath, but [the] wise holds back in quiet.

12 A ruler listening to a word of falsehood, all his officials are wicked.

13 The poor and a man of oppression have [this] in common: Yahweh gives {light to the eyes of them both}.

14 A king who judges with truthfulness [to] the poor, his throne will be established forever.