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<!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 8:15 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_08_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 8:15 - The Excellence of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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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/8-14.htm" title="Proverbs 8:14">◄</a> Proverbs 8:15 <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm" title="Proverbs 8:16">►</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/8.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/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By me kings reign, And rulers mark out righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“By me kings reign And rulers decide <i>and</i> decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Through me kings reign, and rulers decree fair laws.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I help kings to govern and rulers to make good laws. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Kings reign by means of me, and potentates decree righteousness; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By me kings shall reign, and princes shall decree justice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Through me, kings reign and legislators decree just conditions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact justice; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By me kings reign and princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of me, Kings rule, and Rulers search out righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/8-15.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=1390" 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/8.htm">The Excellence of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">By me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: yim·lō·ḵū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">reign,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7336.htm" title="7336: wə·rō·wz·nîm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be weighty, judicious or commanding. A primitive root; probably to be heavy, i.e. honorable.">and rulers</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">enact just</a> <a href="/hebrew/2710.htm" title="2710: yə·ḥō·qə·qū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To cut in, inscribe, decree. A primitive root; properly, to hack, i.e. Engrave; by implication, to enact or Prescribe.">laws;</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.…<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/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:<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="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a></span><br />For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a></span><br />This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’<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="/jeremiah/27-5.htm">Jeremiah 27:5-7</a></span><br />By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a></span><br />and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Psalm 2:10-12</a></span><br />Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. / Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. / Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.</p><p class="hdg">by</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17</a></b></br> And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/28-5.htm">1 Chronicles 28:5</a></b></br> And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.</p><p class="hdg">decree</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9,28</a></b></br> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/5-7.htm">1 Kings 5:7</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed <i>be</i> the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/10-9.htm">1 Kings 10:9</a></b></br> Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/psalms/148-6.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/149-8.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/psalms/147-20.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/148-11.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/psalms/146-10.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-8.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/149-8.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">the fame</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">and evidence of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">The excellence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">the nature</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">the power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">the riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">and the eternity of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings</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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>By me kings reign</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine wisdom that underpins the authority of kings. In the biblical context, kingship is often seen as established by God, as seen in passages like <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a>, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." The wisdom personified in <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a> is a reflection of God's own wisdom, which is necessary for righteous governance. Historically, Israelite kings were expected to rule in accordance with God's laws, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18-20</a>, where the king is instructed to write a copy of the law and read it all his life. This phrase underscores the belief that true authority and the ability to govern justly come from aligning with divine wisdom.<p><b>and rulers enact just laws;</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the role of wisdom in the creation and enforcement of justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was a central concern of governance, and rulers were often seen as the ultimate arbiters of justice. The biblical narrative frequently emphasizes the importance of justice, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The phrase suggests that rulers who seek wisdom are able to create laws that reflect God's justice, echoing the biblical theme that righteousness and justice are foundational to God's throne (<a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a>). This also points to the ideal of a ruler who embodies wisdom, a type fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate just ruler in passages like <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>, where He is called the "Prince of Peace" and His government is characterized by justice and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>In <a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, Wisdom is personified and speaks as a character. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that guides and empowers leaders.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings.htm">Kings</a></b><br>Refers to monarchs or leaders who hold authority over a nation or people. In the context of Proverbs, kings are those who should seek wisdom to rule justly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rulers.htm">Rulers</a></b><br>These are individuals in positions of authority, such as governors or officials, who are responsible for enacting laws and maintaining justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was a king known for his wisdom, which he received from God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to which Solomon belonged, often seen as a model for how a nation should seek divine wisdom in governance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_authority.htm">The Source of True Authority</a></b><br>True authority and the ability to govern justly come from God through His wisdom. Leaders should seek divine guidance to rule effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Wisdom is essential for enacting just laws and making decisions that benefit the community. Leaders should prioritize wisdom over personal ambition or power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_rulers.htm">The Responsibility of Rulers</a></b><br>Those in authority have a responsibility to seek wisdom and enact laws that reflect justice and righteousness, serving the people they govern.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom_for_all_believers.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom for All Believers</a></b><br>While this verse specifically addresses rulers, all believers are called to seek wisdom in their daily lives, influencing their decisions and interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_leaders.htm">Prayer for Leaders</a></b><br>Believers should pray for their leaders to seek and apply divine wisdom in their governance, ensuring that justice and righteousness prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_christianity_and_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_king_elah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was King Elah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_rulers_act_against_romans_13_3.htm">If Romans 13:3 claims rulers promote good and punish bad, why have some historical governments done the opposite without facing apparent divine judgment? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_solomon_solve_the_mothers'_dispute.htm">How did Solomon resolve the dispute between two mothers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Princes.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">men of weight, </span>or, <span class= "ital">importance.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By me kings reign</span>. By possession of wisdom kings are enabled to discharge their functions duly and righteously. So Solomon prayed for wisdom to enable him to rule his subjects properly (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>; Wisd. 9:4). <span class="cmt_word">Princes</span> (<span class="accented">rozenim</span>, <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4</a>); either those who are weighty, inflexible, or these who weigh causes; the latter explanation seems most suitable. Vulgate, <span class="accented">legum conditores</span>; Septuagint, <span class="greek">οἱ δυνάσται</span>, These are said to <span class="cmt_word">decree justice;</span> literally, <span class="accented">to engrave just decrees on tablets</span>; <span class="greek">γράφουσι δικαιοσύνην</span>, Septuagint. Early expositors take these words as spoken by Christ, to whom they are very plainly applicable (comp. <a href="/isaiah/32-1.htm">Isaiah 32:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/8-15.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">By me</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֭י</span> <span class="translit">(bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">kings</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָכִ֣ים</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">reign,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְלֹ֑כוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yim·lō·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and rulers</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝רוֹזְנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rō·wz·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7336.htm">Strong's 7336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weighty, judicious or commanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">enact just</span><br /><span class="heb">צֶֽדֶק׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">laws;</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחֹ֣קְקוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥō·qə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2710.htm">Strong's 2710: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign and princes decree (Prov. 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