Proverbs 20:28

28 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.

Proverbs 20:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king
Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice; these preserve him in the affections of his people, and make him safe and secure on his throne; and because of these the Lord preserves him from his enemies. It maybe rendered, "grace and truth" F12; and applied to Christ, who is full of both, and which are said to preserve him, ( Psalms 40:11 ) ; and his throne is upholden by mercy;
this explains what is meant by the preservation of him, and what is the security of his throne and kingdom, which is clemency and goodness to his subjects.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (tmaw dox) "gratis et veritas", Cocceius.

Proverbs 20:28 In-Context

26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.
27 The spirit of man is a light of the Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly.
28 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.
29 Wisdom is an ornament to young men; and grey are the glory of old men.
30 Bruises and contusions befall bad men; and plagues in the inward parts of belly.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.