Mishle 29:12

12 If a moshel pays heed to davar sheker, all his mesharetim (officials, ministers) are resha’im.

Mishle 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.

Mishle 29:12 In-Context

10 The anshei damim hate integrity, but the yesharim seek his nefesh (soul, i.e., his soul’s well-being).

11 A kesil (fool) uttereth all his wrath, but a chacham keepeth it back quietly.

12 If a moshel pays heed to davar sheker, all his mesharetim (officials, ministers) are resha’im.

13 The rahsh (pauper) and the oppressor have this in common: Hashem enlighteneth both their eynayim.

14 If Melech shofet be’emes (judges in truth) the dalim, his kisse shall be established forever.