Proverbs 16:12

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

Proverbs 16:12 in Other Translations

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.

12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.

12 Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings because a throne is established through righteousness.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.

12 A king hates it when his people do what is wrong. A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.

Proverbs 16:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:12

[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness
The Targum is,

``the abomination of kings are they that work wickedness.''

It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness themselves, and those that do it should be abhorred by them, or they should show their resentment at it by removing them from their presence, or by punishing them: and though there have been such kings as David, ( Psalms 101:4 Psalms 101:7 ) ; yet there are but few such; this is not true of kings in common; and therefore rather expresses what they should be than what they are; but is perfectly applicable to Christ, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity, ( Psalms 45:7 ) ; for the throne is established by righteousness;
this is the support, strength, and security of every kingdom, and of the thrones of kings; and it is with judgment and righteousness that the throne of Christ is established; yea, justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne, ( Isaiah 9:7 ) ( Psalms 89:14 ) .

Proverbs 16:12 In-Context

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 25:5; Proverbs 29:14; Proverbs 31:5