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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.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/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, Because a throne is established on righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established on righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For in righteousness a throne is established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Justice makes rulers powerful. They should hate evil <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings because a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Kings cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Kings detest wrongdoing, for through righteousness the throne is established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to do wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Doing wickedness [is] an abomination to kings, "" For a throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An abomination to kings is doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />An abomination of kings to do injustice: for in justice shall the throne be prepared.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the throne is established by justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Those who act impiously are abominable to the king. For the throne is made firm by justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for by justice the throne endures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Kings who commit wickedness are an abomination; for a throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Kings that do evil are defiled because the throne is established in righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-12.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=3130" 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/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: re·ša‘ (N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">Wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">behavior</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">is detestable</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">to kings,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: kis·sê (N-ms) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">a throne</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: yik·kō·wn (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">is established</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ḇiṣ·ḏā·qāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">through righteousness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.…<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="/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3-4</a></span><br />For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. / For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1-2</a></span><br />Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-1.htm">Isaiah 32:1</a></span><br />Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">2 Samuel 23:3</a></span><br />The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4</a></span><br />By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-9.htm">1 Kings 10:9</a></span><br />Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a></span><br />Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”<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="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-6.htm">Psalm 101:6-8</a></span><br />My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. / No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. / Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4-5</a></span><br />but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. / Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12-14</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” / “Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered. / Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</p><p class="hdg">an</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9</a></b></br> He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer <i>shall be</i> abomination.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/25-16.htm">Deuteronomy 25:16</a></b></br> For all that do such things, <i>and</i> all that do unrighteously, <i>are</i> an abomination unto the LORD thy God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-48.htm">Luke 12:48</a></b></br> But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few <i>stripes</i>. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18</a></b></br> <i>Every</i> purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Proverbs 25:5</a></b></br> Take away the wicked <i>from</i> before the king, and his throne shall be established in 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><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Based</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">Detest</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-14.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Based</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-21.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Detest</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</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/16.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/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Wicked behavior is detestable for kings</b><br>In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for upholding justice and righteousness. Wicked behavior, which includes actions contrary to God's laws, was considered abhorrent because it undermined the moral and ethical foundation necessary for just governance. The king's role was to reflect God's justice, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18-20</a>, where the king is instructed to read and follow God's law. This phrase emphasizes the expectation that leaders should embody integrity and moral uprightness, aligning with the biblical principle that those in authority are accountable to God (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a>).<p><b>for a throne is established through righteousness</b><br>The concept of a throne being established through righteousness highlights the biblical principle that true and lasting authority is grounded in justice and moral integrity. In the historical context of Israel and surrounding nations, a king's legitimacy and the stability of his reign were often linked to his ability to rule justly. This is echoed in <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a>, which states that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne. The idea is that a ruler who practices righteousness will have a stable and enduring reign, as seen in the reign of King David, who, despite his flaws, was described as a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). This phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose eternal kingdom is established on righteousness and justice (<a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings.htm">Kings</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, kings represent leaders or those in authority. They are expected to uphold justice and righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/throne.htm">Throne</a></b><br>Symbolizes the seat of power and authority. In biblical terms, a throne established through righteousness is one that is stable and enduring.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_behavior.htm">Wicked Behavior</a></b><br>Refers to actions that are morally wrong or evil, which are detestable to those who seek to rule justly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_righteousness_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Righteousness in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders are called to uphold righteousness, as it is the foundation of their authority and the key to a stable reign.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_detestability_of_wickedness.htm">The Detestability of Wickedness</a></b><br>Wicked behavior undermines authority and is detestable to those who seek to lead justly. Leaders must avoid such behavior to maintain integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_divine_standard_for_authority.htm">The Divine Standard for Authority</a></b><br>God's standard for leadership is rooted in righteousness and justice, reflecting His own character and expectations for those in power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Impact of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>When leaders act righteously, it brings stability and peace to their realm, benefiting all under their authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_application_of_righteousness.htm">Personal Application of Righteousness</a></b><br>While this verse speaks to leaders, it also calls individuals to live righteously in their own spheres of influence, contributing to a just society.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'eye-service'_in_the_bible.htm">What occurs to the wicked upon their death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_deut._12_30-31_with_2_kings_16.htm">In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, how can the warning against adopting pagan rites be reconciled with other passages (e.g., 2 Kings 16:10-15) where Israelite leaders incorporated foreign practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_'cruel_messenger'_fit_a_kind_deity.htm">Proverbs 17:11 describes a 'cruel messenger' sent against rebels. How can this align with the notion of a benevolent deity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">It is an abomination to kings</span>. . . .--This and the following verse are, like <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm" title="A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.">Proverbs 16:10</a>, descriptive of the ideal king who, above all things, loves truth and justice. Psalms 72 works out the thought more fully. How feebly the character was fulfilled by Solomon or the best of his successors the history of Israel shews. It was too high a conception for man to carry out, and was fulfilled only in the person of David's Son, who is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (<a href="/revelation/19-16.htm" title="And he has on his clothing and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.">Revelation 19:16</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness.</span> This and the following verse give the ideal view of the monarch - that which he ought to be rather than what be is (comp. <a href="/psalms/72.htm">Psalm 72</a>.). Certainly neither Solomon nor many of his successors exhibited this high character. The Septuagint, followed by some modern commentators, translates, "He who doeth wickedness is an abomination to kings;" but as the "righteousness" in the second clause (<span class="cmt_word">the throne is established by righteousness</span>) undoubtedly refers to the king, so it is more natural to take the "wickedness" in the first member as being his own, not his subjects'. When a ruler acts justly and wisely, punishes the unruly, rewards the virtuous, acts as God's vicegerent, and himself sets the example of the character which becomes so high a position, he wins the affection of his people, they willingly obey him. and are ready to die for him and his family (comp. <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Proverbs 25:5</a>; <a href="/isaiah/16-5.htm">Isaiah 16:5</a>). Lawmakers should not be law breakers. Seneca, 'Thyest.,' 215 - <p><span class="foreign">"Ubi non est pudor,<br />Nec cura juris, sanctitas, pietas, fides,<br />Instabile regnum est."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-12.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">Wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רֶ֑שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(re·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behavior</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשׂ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is detestable</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kings,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְ֭לָכִים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<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">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a throne</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּסֵּֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(kis·sê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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 /><br /><span class="word">is established</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכּ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(yik·kō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through righteousness.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִ֝צְדָקָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇiṣ·ḏā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination for kings (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:13" /></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>