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.
• English Standard Version (ESV)It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
• New King James Version (NKJV)It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.

Context of Proverbs 16:12

10The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice. 11Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his handiwork. Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness. 13The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one who speaks uprightly. 14A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases 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 28:9The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
• Deuteronomy 25:16For anyone who acts dishonestly in these ways is abhorrent to the Lord your God.
• Luke 12:48But the one who did not know his master’s will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.
• Proverbs 20:18Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.
• Proverbs 25:5remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
• Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
• Psalms 99:4The king is strong; he loves justice. You ensure that legal decisions will be made fairly; you promote justice and equity in Jacob.
• Revelation 19:11Then I saw heaven opened and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and goes to 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