Proverbs 16:12

Proverbs 16:12 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
• New International Version (NIV)Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
• New King James Version (NKJV)It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.
• New Living Translation (NLT)A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.

Context of Proverbs 16:12

10An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. 11A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. 14A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

Proverbs 16:12 word by word

תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מְ֭לָכִים עֲשׂ֣וֹת רֶ֑שַׁע כִּ֥י בִ֝צְדָקָ֗ה יִכּ֥וֹן כִּסֵּֽא׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• an abominationתּוֹעֵבַהtô‛êbah tô‛êbah · abominationH8441
• to kingsמֶ֫לֶךְmelek · kingH4428
• to commitעָשָׂה‛âώâh · to make: doH6213
• wickednessרֶ֫שַׁעresha‛ · wickednessH7562
• for the throneכִּסֵּאkissê' kissêh · throneH3678
• is establishedכּוּןkûn · to establish: establishH3559
• by righteousnessצְדָקָהtsedâqâh · righteousnessH6666

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:12

• Proverbs 28:9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
• Deuteronomy 25:16For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the Lord your God.
• Luke 12:48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
• Proverbs 20:18Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
• Proverbs 25:5take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
• Proverbs 29:14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.
• Psalms 99:4The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
• Revelation 19:11Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:12

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12It is an abomination to kings, etc. - In all these verses the wise man refers to monarchical government rightly administered. And the proverbs on this subject are all plain.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 12Verse 12 The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 12-13These proverbs assume a wise and godly king (see Isaiah 9:6–7). Many of Israel’s kings loved wrongdoing and hated truth, like Ahab in 1 Kings 21.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:12

• Rulers

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings