Proverbs 16:12 · King James Version

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 16:12 in the King James Version reads: “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.”. Read it in the full context of Proverbs 16, or compare how other translations render it below.

Proverbs 16:12 in Other Translations

KJV It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
WEB It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
ASV It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
YLT An abomination to kings is doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
WBT [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
DBY It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.

Commentary on Proverbs 16:12

Expositions from classic Bible commentators.

Matthew Henry · Proverbs 16:12

Here is, 1. The character of a good king, which Solomon intended not for his own praise, but for instruction to his successors, his neighbours, and the viceroys under him. A good king not only does justice, but it is an abomination to him to do otherwise. He hates the thought of doing wrong and perverting justice; he not only abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors to do any himself, though, having power, he might easily and safety do it. 2. The comfort of a good king: His throne is established by righteousness. He that makes conscience of using his power aright shall find that to be the best security of his government, both as it will oblige people, make them easy, and keep them in the interest of it, and as it will obtain the blessing of God, which will be a firm basis to the throne and a strong guard about it.

Read Matthew Henry's full commentary on Proverbs 16 →

John Gill · Proverbs 16:12

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness,.... The Targum is,

"the abomination of kings are they that work wickedness.''

It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness themselves, and those that do it should be abhorred by them, or they should show their resentment at it by removing them from their presence, or by punishing them: and though there have been such kings as David, Psa 101:4; yet there are but few such; this is not true of kings in common; and therefore rather expresses what they should be than what they are; but is perfectly applicable to Christ, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity, Psa 45:7;

for the throne is established by righteousness; this is the support, strength, and security of every kingdom, and of the thrones of kings; and it is with judgment and righteousness that the throne of Christ is established; yea, justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne, Isa 9:7.

Read John Gill's full commentary on Proverbs 16 →

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Proverbs 16:12

Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.

Read Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's full commentary on Proverbs 16 →

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Cross References for Proverbs 16:12

Related passages, ranked by how often readers connect them. Cross-reference data from openbible.info (CC-BY).

Questions about Proverbs 16:12

What does Proverbs 16:12 say?

Proverbs 16:12 in the King James Version reads: “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.” Read it in the full context of Proverbs 16, alongside the classic commentary on this page.

Where is Proverbs 16:12 found in the Bible?

Proverbs 16:12 is in the book of Proverbs, chapter 16, verse 12, in the Old Testament.

What Bible translation is Proverbs 16:12 shown in?

This is the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation. You can compare how other translations render Proverbs 16:12 in the table on this page.

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