Proverbs 29:12

12 A prince that heareth willfully the words of leasing, shall have all his servants unfaithful. (A ruler who willingly listeneth to lies, shall have servants who all be unfaithful./If a ruler willingly listeneth to lies, then all of his servants shall be unfaithful.)

Proverbs 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.

Proverbs 29:12 In-Context

10 Men-quellers hate a simple man; but just men seek his soul. (Murderers hate honest people; but the righteous seek them out.)

11 A fool bringeth forth all his spirit; a wise man delayeth, and reserveth into (the) time (to) coming afterward.

12 A prince that heareth willfully the words of leasing, shall have all his servants unfaithful. (A ruler who willingly listeneth to lies, shall have servants who all be unfaithful./If a ruler willingly listeneth to lies, then all of his servants shall be unfaithful.)

13 A poor man and a lender met themselves; the Lord is [the] lightener of ever either. (A poor person and a lender met together; the Lord lighteneth the burdens of both of them.)

14 If a king deemeth poor men in truth, his throne shall be made steadfast [into] without end. (If a king judgeth the poor with honesty, his throne shall be made secure forever.)