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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 16:10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_16_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:10 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice." /><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'; 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he must never judge unfairly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A divine sentence <i>is</i> in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Divination <i>is</i> on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A divine verdict is on the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful <i>or</i> unjust in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God&#8217s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Rulers speak with authority and are never wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth shall not transgress in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When a divine revelation is on a king's lips, he cannot voice a wrong judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king speaks with divine authority; his decisions are always right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When a king is ready to speak officially, what he says should not err with respect to justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />An oath [is] on the lips of a king, "" In judgment his mouth does not trespass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An oath is on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Divining upon the lips of the king: his mouth will not transgress in judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Divination is in the lips of the king, his mouth shall not err in judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Foreknowledge is in the lips of the king. His mouth shall not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />An oracle is upon the king’s lips, no judgment of his mouth is false. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Oracles are on the lips of the king; his mouth does not err in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An oracle is upon the lips of the King, and his mouth will not err in judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth trespasseth not in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>There is</i> an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-10.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=3115" 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">9</span>A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7081.htm" title="7081: qe·sem (N-ms) -- Divination. From qacam; a lot: also divination, oracle.">A divine verdict</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">is on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śip̄·ṯê- (N-fdc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">the lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of a king;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4603.htm" title="4603: yim·‘al- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. Treacherously.">betray</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: bə·miš·pāṭ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.…<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="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1</a></span><br />Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</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. / 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<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="/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="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5</a></span><br />“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Deuteronomy 17:8-11</a></span><br />If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. / You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-6.htm">2 Chronicles 19:6-7</a></span><br />Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”<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/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3-4</a></span><br />And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-37.htm">Daniel 4:37</a></span><br />Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.</p><p class="hdg">a divine sentence</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12,13</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="/genesis/44-5.htm">Genesis 44:5,15</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not this <i>it</i> in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18-20</a></b></br> And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of <i>that which is</i> before the priests the Levites: … </p><p class="hdg">transgresseth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/10-4.htm">Hosea 10:4</a></b></br> They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-7.htm">Amos 5:7</a></b></br> Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/6-12.htm">Amos 6:12</a></b></br> Shall horses run upon the rock? will <i>one</i> plow <i>there</i> with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-17.htm">Betray</a> <a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Err</a> <a href="/judges/4-4.htm">Inspired</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/psalms/147-20.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/132-11.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/psalms/36-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-5.htm">Transgresseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Betray</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-4.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Err</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Inspired</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Transgresseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Wrong</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>A divine verdict is on the lips of a king;</b><br>In ancient Israel, kings were seen as God's appointed rulers, and their words carried significant weight. The idea of a "divine verdict" suggests that the king's pronouncements were considered to be guided by divine wisdom. This reflects the belief that God granted authority and insight to the king, as seen in the reign of Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a>). The king's role as a judge and leader was to reflect God's justice and righteousness, aligning with the biblical principle that all authority is established by God (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>).<p><b>his mouth must not betray justice.</b><br>The expectation that a king's mouth "must not betray justice" underscores the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, justice was a central duty of the king, who was responsible for maintaining order and fairness in society. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of justice, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for individuals to "act justly and to love mercy." The king's role as a type of Christ is evident here, as Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate righteous judge (<a href="/john/5-30.htm">John 5:30</a>), who embodies perfect justice and truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_solomon.htm">King Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as a king who sought to rule with justice and righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The context of the proverb is set in the ancient Near Eastern culture where kings were seen as God's appointed rulers, responsible for maintaining justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/divine_verdict.htm">Divine Verdict</a></b><br>This refers to the belief that a king's decisions and judgments are guided by divine wisdom and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders, especially those in positions of authority, are called to seek divine wisdom in their decisions. They should strive to reflect God's justice in their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>Justice is a central theme in God's character and should be a priority in leadership. Leaders must ensure their decisions do not betray justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_guidance.htm">Seeking Divine Guidance</a></b><br>Just as a king's verdict is seen as divine, believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their daily decisions, ensuring they align with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a></b><br>The proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity in what we say. Our words should reflect truth and justice, avoiding deceit or partiality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_authority.htm">Responsibility of Authority</a></b><br>Those in authority have a responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness, recognizing their role as stewards of God's will on earth.<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/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/why_do_joshua_16_10_and_1_kings_9_15-16_differ.htm">Why does Joshua 16:10 say the Canaanites in Gezer became forced labor, yet 1 Kings 9:15-16 seems to contradict who controlled Gezer's fate?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_slander.htm">What is the Bible's stance on slander?</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>(10) <span class= "bld">His mouth transgresseth not in judgment.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">should not transgress, </span>as being the representative of God upon earth, and so distinguished by the title of "God" himself (<a href="/psalms/82-6.htm" title="I have said, You are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.">Psalm 82:6</a>). This verse recalls the days of Solomon's youth, when it was his highest aspiration to judge his people righteously (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm" title="Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this your so great a people?">1Kings 3:9</a>). Comp. David's noble words (<a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm" title="The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.">2Samuel 23:3</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A Divine sentence is in the lips of the king.</span> <span class="hebrew">קֶסֶם</span> (<span class="accented">quesem</span>) is "divination," "soothsaying," oracular utterance. Septuagint, <span class="greek">μαντεῖον</span>. The king's words have, in people's minds, the certainty and importance of a Divine oracle, putting an end to all controversy or division of opinion. It seems to be a general maxim, not especially referring to Solomon or the theocratic kingdom, but rather indicating the traditional view of the absolute monarchy. The custom of deifying kings and invoking them as gods was usual in Egypt and Eastern countries, and made its way to the West. "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man," cried the people, when Herod addressed them in the amphitheatre at Caesarea (<a href="/acts/12-22.htm">Acts 12:22</a>). The Greeks could say - <p><span class="greek">Αἰκὼν δὲ βασιλεύς ἐστιν ἔμψυχος Θεοῦ</span>. <p><span class="accented">"God's very living image is the king."</span> And thus his utterances were regarded as irrefragably true and decisive. <span class="cmt_word">His month transgresseth not in judgment.</span> The decisions which he gives are infallible, and, at any rate, irresistible. We may refer to Solomon's famous verdict concerning the two mothers (<a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16</a>, etc.), and such sentences as <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15</a>, "By me (wisdom) kings reign, and princes decree justice" (see below on ver. 12; <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a>); and David's words (<a href="/2_samuel/23-4.htm">2 Samuel 23:4</a>), "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God" (Wisd. 9:4, 10, 12). Delitzsch regards the second hemistich as giving a warning (consequent on the former clause), and not stating a fact, "In the judgment his mouth should not err." The present chapter contains many admonitions to kings which a wise father like Solomon may have uttered and recorded for the benefit of his son. If this is the case, it is as strange as it is true that Rehoboam made little use of the counsels, and that Solomon's latter days gave the lie to many of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-10.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">A divine verdict</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶ֤סֶם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(qe·sem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7081.htm">Strong's 7081: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lot, divination, oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂפְתֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(śip̄·ṯê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of 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">his mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(pîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">betray</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְעַל־</span> <span class="translit">(yim·‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4603.htm">Strong's 4603: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover up, to act covertly, treacherously</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:11" /></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>