CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:28 Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_20_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:28 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/20-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/20-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm" title="Proverbs 20:27">◄</a> Proverbs 20:28 <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm" title="Proverbs 20:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Loyalty and truth watch over the king, And he upholds his throne by loyalty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Lovingkindness and truth will guard the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Loyalty <i>and</i> mercy, truth <i>and</i> faithfulness, protect the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Rulers are protected by God's mercy and loyalty, but they must be merciful for their kingdoms to last. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Mercy and truth protect a king, and with mercy he maintains his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A king will remain in power as long as his rule is honest, just, and fair. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Gracious love and truth preserve a king; through love his throne is made secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Kindness and truth keep a king, "" And he has supported his throne by kindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Kindness and truth keep a king, And he hath supported by kindness his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Mercy and truth shall guard the king: and his throne he upheld in mercy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is strengthened by clemency. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Mercy and truth guard the king, and his throne is strengthened by clemency.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His steadfast loyalty safeguards the king, and he upholds his throne by justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve a king; and his throne is established by grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Grace and truth keep the King and his throne is established by grace.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Mercy and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upheld by mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4126" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥe·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">Loving devotion</a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: we·’ĕ·meṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">and faithfulness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: yiṣ·ṣə·rū- (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">preserve</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">a king;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ba·ḥe·seḏ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">by these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5582.htm" title="5582: wə·sā·‘aḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To support, sustain, stay. A primitive root; to suport.">he maintains</a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: kis·’ōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">his throne.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a></span><br />Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-6.htm">1 Kings 3:6</a></span><br />Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-15.htm">2 Samuel 7:15</a></span><br />But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/16-5.htm">Isaiah 16:5</a></span><br />in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Psalm 101:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-4.htm">1 Kings 9:4-5</a></span><br />And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, / then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-14.htm">2 Chronicles 6:14</a></span><br />and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven or on earth, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-10.htm">Psalm 25:10</a></span><br />All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-6.htm">Hosea 12:6</a></span><br />But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-50.htm">Luke 1:50</a></span><br />His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy.</p><p class="hdg">mercy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Proverbs 16:6</a></b></br> By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD <i>men</i> depart from evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/61-7.htm">Psalm 61:7</a></b></br> He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, <i>which</i> may preserve him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Psalm 101:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.</p><p class="hdg">his</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Proverbs 29:14</a></b></br> The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/21-7.htm">Psalm 21:7</a></b></br> For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Based</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Faithfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-26.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/psalms/127-5.htm">Supported</a> <a href="/psalms/112-8.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/psalms/112-8.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Upholden</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Upholdeth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Upholds</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Upright</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/matthew/7-25.htm">Based</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm">Faithfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Supported</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Upholden</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Upholdeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-13.htm">Upholds</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Upright</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king</b><br>In ancient Israel, the qualities of loving devotion and faithfulness were essential for a king's successful reign. These virtues are often associated with the Hebrew words "chesed" (loving devotion) and "emet" (faithfulness), which are frequently used to describe God's covenantal love and reliability. A king who embodies these attributes reflects God's character and ensures stability and longevity in his rule. This principle is evident in the reigns of kings like David, who, despite his flaws, was known for his heart after God (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). The emphasis on these virtues underscores the importance of moral integrity and righteous leadership in maintaining a kingdom.<p><b>by these he maintains his throne</b><br>The maintenance of a throne through loving devotion and faithfulness suggests that a king's power is not solely dependent on military might or political alliances but on his moral and ethical conduct. This idea is consistent with the biblical theme that true leadership is rooted in righteousness and justice (<a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a>). The throne, a symbol of authority and governance, is secured not by force but by the king's commitment to these divine principles. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, exemplifies perfect loving devotion and faithfulness, establishing an eternal kingdom not of this world (<a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a>). The prophetic nature of this verse points to the Messianic expectation of a ruler who embodies these virtues perfectly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>In the context of this proverb, the king represents leadership and authority. The verse emphasizes the qualities that sustain a ruler's reign.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/loving_devotion.htm">Loving Devotion (Hebrew: "chesed")</a></b><br>This term refers to steadfast love, kindness, or mercy. It is a covenantal love that is loyal and enduring.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness.htm">Faithfulness (Hebrew: "emeth")</a></b><br>This word signifies truth, reliability, and stability. It is the quality of being trustworthy and consistent.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/throne.htm">Throne</a></b><br>Symbolizes the seat of power and authority. The stability of a king's throne is contingent upon his character and actions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/preservation.htm">Preservation</a></b><br>The act of maintaining or sustaining something. In this context, it refers to the enduring nature of a king's rule through righteous qualities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_foundation_of_leadership.htm">The Foundation of Leadership</a></b><br>True leadership is built on the pillars of loving devotion and faithfulness. These qualities ensure the stability and longevity of one's influence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/character_over_power.htm">Character Over Power</a></b><br>A leader's character is more crucial than their power or position. Integrity and reliability are what truly preserve authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_nature.htm">Reflecting God's Nature</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to reflect God's nature, which is characterized by steadfast love and faithfulness. This should be evident in our interactions and leadership roles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_relationships.htm">Covenantal Relationships</a></b><br>Just as a king's throne is maintained by loving devotion and faithfulness, our relationships should be grounded in these virtues, reflecting our commitment to God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>In our daily lives, we should strive to embody loving devotion and faithfulness, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, ensuring that our actions align with our values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/married__how_to_handle_attraction.htm">How to handle attraction to someone else when married?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_righteous_suffer_despite_promises.htm">Proverbs 21:21: How can this promise of life, prosperity, and honor be reconciled with the reality that many righteous and loving people suffer hardship or persecution?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_36_11-12_fit_real_hardships.htm">In Job 36:11-12, obedience supposedly leads to prosperity while disobedience brings destruction; how does this align with the real-world experiences of faithful people in hardship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_disasters_affect_all_people.htm">Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Mercy and truth preserve the king.--</span>See above on <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm" title="Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them on the table of your heart:">Proverbs 3:3</a>. The love and faithfulness he shows to his subjects draw out the same qualities in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. So (<a href="/psalms/130-4.htm" title="But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared.">Psalm 130:4</a>) the mercy shown by God inspires man with a reverent fear of Him, while harshness might have made him a slave, or driven him through despair into rebellion. (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/33-9.htm" title="And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do to them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure to it.">Jeremiah 33:9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Mercy and truth preserve the king.</span> (For "mercy and truth," see note on Proverbs 3:3.) The love and faithfulness which the king displays in dealing with his subjects elicits the like virtues in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. <span class="cmt_word">His throne is upholden by mercy;</span> or, <span class="accented">love.</span> So the king is well called the father of his people, and in modern times the epithet "gracious" is applied to the sovereign as being the fountain of mercy and condescension. Sallust, 'Jugurtha,' 10, "Non exercitus neque thesauri praesidia regni sunt, verum amici, quos neque armis cogere neque auro parare queas; officio et fide pariuntur." Septuagint, "Mercy (<span class="greek">ἐλεημοσύνη</span>) and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness." "The subject's love," says our English maxim, "is the king's lifeguard." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Loving devotion</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶ֣סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ḥe·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and truth</span><br /><span class="heb">וֶ֭אֱמֶת</span> <span class="translit">(we·’ĕ·meṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">preserve</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְּרוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ṣə·rū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a king;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by these</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֶ֣סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥe·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he maintains</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסָעַ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sā·‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5582.htm">Strong's 5582: </a> </span><span class="str2">To support, sustain, stay</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his throne.</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּסְאֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kis·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3678.htm">Strong's 3678: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seat of honor, throne</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>