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.
• 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.
• New Living Translation (NLT)A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.

Context of Proverbs 16:12

10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. 11Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. 14A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise 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 anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
• Deuteronomy 25:16For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.
• Luke 12:48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
• Proverbs 20:18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
• Proverbs 25:5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
• Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
• Psalms 99:4The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right.
• Revelation 19:11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages 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