Proverbs 16:13

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

Proverbs 16:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 Kings are happy with honest words, and whoever speaks what is right is loved.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 Kings are pleased when what you say is honest. They value people who speak the truth.

Proverbs 16:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:13

Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings
Such that speak truth and righteousness, and advise to the administration of justice and judgment, and to do that which is most for their own true honour and the people's good, are, or ought to be, highly valued and esteemed by kings: but the contrary is too often the case; kings hearken to those that speak lies, that flatter them, and gratify their pride, ambition, and love of power, to the hurt of their subjects; and they love him that speaketh right:
agreeably to right reason; which makes for the honour of kings, and the good of those over whom they rule. Christ loves and delights in those that deliver out his doctrines in the taught words of the Holy Ghost, without any mixture or corruption; that explain, inculcate, and enforce his laws and commands; and faithfully declare the whole counsel of God, both with respect to faith and practice; all which is for his glory, as King of saints, and to the profit and advantage of those who submit to the sceptre of his kingdom.

Proverbs 16:13 In-Context

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.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 22:11; Proverbs 14:35
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