Proverbs 16:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 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.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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, Psalm 101:4 ; yet there are but few such; this is not true of kings in common; and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:12

It 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 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:12

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. Psalms 72:1-20 .). 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 ) ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:12

Proverbs 16:12. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness They should not only abstain from all wicked practices, but abhor them, both in their own persons, and in all their servants and subjects. It is too plain that he speaks not of the common practice, but of the duty of kings, as in Proverbs 16:10. 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... 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 16:12

wickedness = lawlessness. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:12

"It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness."The first clause here means that any king who commits wickedness becomes an abomination to God; and the second clause is parallel with the New Testament teaching that reveals, "The powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 16:12

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

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