Proverbs 8:16

16 by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.[a]

Proverbs 8:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
ESV
16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
NLT
16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.
MSG
16 With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority.
CSB
16 by me, princes lead, as do nobles [and] all righteous judges.

Proverbs 8:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 8:16

By me princes rule
All governors of provinces and cities, who are under the king as supreme; the discharge of whose office in a right manner requires much wisdom, prudence, justice, and integrity; all which they have from Christ, as well as their power of ruling, that rule well; and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth;
the word F5 for nobles signifies persons of a "free" spirit, generous, bountiful men; such as are called "benefactors", ( Luke 22:25 ) ; so one of the Ptolemys, king of Egypt, was called Evergetes. Such who govern, not in a cruel and rigorous manner, but with clemency and gentleness; who, as they are "free" and noble themselves, their subjects are a free people, and enjoy their privileges and liberties fully and quietly. And "the judges of the earth" are such, as sit on benches of justice, hear and try causes, and pass sentence on men; which requires great skill and knowledge, and much faithfulness and integrity, which all that perform their office aright have from Christ. How great therefore must he be! how wise and just! from whom all rulers, supreme and subordinate, have their power; prudence, generosity, and justice!


FOOTNOTES:

F5 (Mybydn) "munifici sive liberales", Vatablus; "ingenui", Junius & Tremellius, Gejerus; "munifici", Piscator; "generosi", Schultens.

Proverbs 8:16 In-Context

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S 2 Chronicles 1:10; Proverbs 29:4

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts "all righteous rulers"
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