Proverbs Chapter 16 verse 12 Holy Bible
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
read chapter 16 in ASV
Evil-doing is disgusting to kings: for the seat of the ruler is based on righteousness.
read chapter 16 in BBE
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
read chapter 16 in DARBY
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
read chapter 16 in KJV
read chapter 16 in WBT
It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, For the throne is established by righteousness.
read chapter 16 in WEB
An abomination to kings `is' doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
read chapter 16 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 12. - It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness. This and the following verse give the ideal view of the monarch - that which he ought to be rather than what be is (comp. Psalm 72.). Certainly neither Solomon nor many of his successors exhibited this high character. The Septuagint, followed by some modern commentators, translates, "He who doeth wickedness is an abomination to kings;" but as the "righteousness" in the second clause (the throne is established by righteousness) undoubtedly refers to the king, so it is more natural to take the "wickedness" in the first member as being his own, not his subjects'. When a ruler acts justly and wisely, punishes the unruly, rewards the virtuous, acts as God's vicegerent, and himself sets the example of the character which becomes so high a position, he wins the affection of his people, they willingly obey him. and are ready to die for him and his family (comp. Proverbs 25:5; Isaiah 16:5). Lawmakers should not be law breakers. Seneca, 'Thyest.,' 215 - "Ubi non est pudor,Nec cura juris, sanctitas, pietas, fides,Instabile regnum est."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) It is an abomination to kings. . . .--This and the following verse are, like Proverbs 16:10, descriptive of the ideal king who, above all things, loves truth and justice. Psalms 72 works out the thought more fully. How feebly the character was fulfilled by Solomon or the best of his successors the history of Israel shews. It was too high a conception for man to carry out, and was fulfilled only in the person of David's Son, who is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16).
