Proverbs 25:5

5 Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

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 Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.
4 Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.
5 Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.
6 Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;
7 for better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, than that should humble thee in the presence of the prince; speak of that which thine eyes have seen.

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