Proverbs 16:10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:10

We wish this were always true as a proposition, and we ought to make it our prayer for kings, and all in authority, that a divine sentence may be in their lips, both in giving orders, that they may do that in wisdom, and in giving sentence, that they may do that in equity, both which are included in judgment, and that in neither their mouth may transgress, 1 Tim. 2:1. But it is often otherwise; and therefore, 1. It may be read as a precept to the kings and judges of the earth to be wise and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:10

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king ,.... Or "divination" F6 קסם "divinatio", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens. , as the word signifies; or what is like to divination, as Aben Ezra and Gersom interpret it F7 So Vatablus, Mercerus, Piscator. . What be says is as an oracle, and should be strictly true. Some understand it of the sagacity and penetration of kings, as was in Solomon, and appeared in his judging the two harlots; but such is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:10

A divine sentence - קסם kesem , "divination," as the margin has it. Is the meaning as follows? Though divination were applied to a righteous king's lips, to induce him to punish the innocent and spare the guilty, yet would not his lips transgress in judgment; so firmly attached is he to God, and so much is he under the Divine care and influence. Whatever judgment such a one pronounces, it may be considered as a decision from God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:10

A Divine sentence is in the lips of the king. קֶסֶם ( quesem ) is "divination," "soothsaying," oracular utterance. Septuagint, μαντεῖον . The king's words have, in people's minds, the certainty and importance of a Divine oracle, putting an end to all controversy or division of opinion. It seems to be a general maxim, not especially referring to Solomon or the theocratic kingdom, but rather indicating the traditional view of the absolute monarchy. The custom of deifying kings and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:10-15

Divine and human authority I. THE DERIVATION OF AUTHORITY AND LAW FROM GOD . ( Proverbs 16:10 .) The true ruler is the representative of God. Royal decrees and legal statutes profess to rest, and must rest ultimately, if they are to be binding, upon the moral Law itself. Hence the reverence in old days for "the Lord's anointed," though in the person of a Charles Stuart, was the popular witness to a deep truth, which lies at the foundation of society. II. PRINCIPLES ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:10

Proverbs 16:10. A divine sentence Hebrew, קסם , divination, (a word which is sometimes taken in a good sense for prudence, as Isaiah 3:2,) that is, great sagacity, and a piercing judgment to discern dubious and difficult cases; is in the lips of the king Of a wise king, who only is worthy of the name and office. Thus understood, the assertion was verified by fact in David, 2 Samuel 14:17; and in Solomon, 1 Kings 3:28. “God,” says Bishop Patrick, “is present, in a singular manner,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:10

A divine sentence = an oracle. lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is uttered by them. transgresseth not: or, will not be unfaithful. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:10

"A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment."Many of the judgments pronounced by Solomon in the days prior to his apostasy were examples of what is written here. "The Israelites never thought of their kings as infallible; and this verse means merely that true judgment is the duty of kings."[11] read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 16:10

Proverbs 16:10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king— These words, according to Melancthon, affirm the whole political order, magistrates, laws, distinction of dominions, contracts, judgments, punishments, to be things ordained by the wisdom of God among men; and since we know political order to be the work of God, we ought to love it, and study to defend it; modestly for God's sake to obey it; give thanks to God who preserves it, and look upon those who would disturb this order as most... read more

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