Proverbs 20:28

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Here we have, 1. The virtues of a good king. Those are mercy and truth, especially mercy, for that is mentioned twice here. He must be strictly faithful to his word, must be sincere, and abhor all dissimulation, must religiously discharge all the trusts reposed in him, must support and countenance truth. He must likewise rule with clemency, and by all acts of compassion gain the affections of his people. Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne, and kings are called gods. 2. The... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king ,.... Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king - These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:24-30

The truth of life in diverse aspects We may divide the matter as follows. I. DIVINE PROVIDENCE . ( Proverbs 20:24 .) It is needful, for human wisdom is shortsighted, and human direction inadequate. It is a gracious fact, and, if acknowledged, brings blessing to the trustful mind and heart. Each man has a life vocation. God appoints it, and will reveal the means for the attainment of it. We cannot enter the kingdom except through the guidance of Christ. II. HUMAN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king. (For "mercy and truth," see note on Proverbs 3:3 .) The love and faithfulness which the king displays in dealing with his subjects elicits the like virtues in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. His throne is upholden by mercy; or, love. So the king is well called the father of his people, and in modern times the epithet "gracious" is applied to the sovereign as being the fountain of mercy and condescension. Sallust, 'Jugurtha,' 10, " ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

(See homily on Proverbs 16:12 .)—C. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 20:28

Proverbs 20:28. Mercy Clemency to offenders, and bounty to worthy indigent persons; and truth Faithfulness in keeping his word and promises inviolably; preserve the king Because they engage God to guard him, and gain him the reverence and affections of his people, which is, under God, a king’s greatest safety and happiness. And his throne is upheld by mercy Which is again mentioned, to show that although to exercise mercy be an act of grace, and therefore, in some sort, free, yet... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-30

Honesty (20:1-30)Wise people will not become drunkards, will not needlessly anger those in authority, will avoid quarrelling and will work to support themselves (20:1-4). They will also have the ability to draw out the deepest feelings and intentions of those with whom they deal (5). Many people boast of their loyalty but few practise it. To live honestly is the best way to guarantee a good future for one’s children (6-7). A king learns by experience to discern between right and wrong in cases... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy = lovingkindness, grace, or favour. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 20:28

"Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness."True as this proverb is, the quality of kindness was seldom found in the Oriental monarchs of ancient times, not even in Israel. "A king's guards are loyalty and good faith; his throne is upheld by righteousness."[33] "Loyalty (that is, loyalty to the sacred covenant) and faithfulness are here marks of the ideal king,"[34] and are not intended as a description of the kings that the ancient world often endured. read more

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