Proverbs 16:10
An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 16:10
An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about a king being wise; it suggests his pronouncements carry an almost divine weight, not because kings are inherently perfect, but because their role is to reflect God's justice. Therefore, a king should not err in judgment, as his words are meant to be an echo of heaven's decree.
This proverb is spoken in the context of wisdom literature, where the wise father (likely Solomon) is offering counsel and instruction to his son, the future king. It follows verses that describe the king's dependence on the Lord for his actions and his commitment to righteous governance, highlighting the ideal ruler who seeks divine guidance for justice.
Ever wonder why a king's word carried so much weight? This verse reveals it's tied to a concept far deeper than mere authority.
The original Hebrew word used here, 'qesem,' is often translated as 'divination' or 'soothsaying.' While those terms can have negative connotations, here it's used in a specific context. For a wise and righteous king, his pronouncements were seen as carrying divine weight, like an oracle from God Himself.
This wasn't because the king was God, but because he was God's chosen representative on earth. His judgments were meant to reflect God's wisdom and justice, settling disputes with an authority that couldn't be questioned. Think of it as the ancient equivalent of a Supreme Court ruling carrying the ultimate authority, but with an added layer of divine backing.
Can any ruler truly say their judgment is flawless? This verse paints an ideal picture of kingship that challenges us to look closer.
The second part of the verse states, 'his mouth does not sin in judgment.' This isn't necessarily a statement of fact about every king throughout history, as history shows many flawed rulers. Instead, it describes the ideal or duty of a king.
A righteous king, guided by wisdom and fear of God, should not err in judgment. His decisions should be so just and true that they are free from wrongdoing. This ideal serves as a standard against which actual kingship is measured. It's a reminder that true leadership requires impeccable integrity and a commitment to justice.
Understand the original words
qesem · Hebrew Noun
A divine utterance, a pronouncement, or a burden from God; it implies an authoritative message delivered through a human instrument under divine influence.
chata · Hebrew Verb
To miss the mark, fail to fulfill God's standard, or transgress against His law; it represents a separation from the will of God in thought, word, or deed.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The administration of justice, legal decision-making, or rendering a verdict; it implies evaluating situations according to God's law and righteous principles.
This passage shows Solomon's wisdom in judgment, which was seen as a gift from God, illustrating the ideal of a king's divinely-guided pronouncements.
Psalm 82:6This psalm calls earthly rulers 'gods,' highlighting the significant authority and divine accountability placed upon kings, whose judgments should reflect heavenly justice.
2 Samuel 14:17David's statement that he is 'like an angel of God to distinguish between good and bad' reflects the perception of royal authority having a special discernment, akin to divine insight.
Proverbs 8:15-16Wisdom itself declares that through it kings reign and decree justice, reinforcing the idea that righteous rule and sound judgment are divinely sourced and sanctioned.
bensonProverbs 16:10: "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment."
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:…
ellicottProverbs 16:10: "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment."
(10) His mouth transgresseth not in judgment. —Or, should not transgress, as being the representative of God upon earth, and so distinguished by the title of “God” himself ( Psalm 82:6 ). This verse recalls the days of Solomon’s youth, when it was his highest aspiration to judge his people righteously ( 1Kings 3:9 ). Comp. David’s noble words ( 2Samuel 23:3 ).
This verse isn't just about a king being wise; it suggests his pronouncements carry an almost divine weight, not because kings are inherently perfect, but because their role is to reflect God's justice. Therefore, a king should not err in judgment, as his words are meant to be an echo of heaven's decree.
This proverb is spoken in the context of wisdom literature, where the wise father (likely Solomon) is offering counsel and instruction to his son, the future king. It follows verses that describe the king's dependence on the Lord for his actions and his commitment to righteous governance, highlighting the ideal ruler who seeks divine guidance for justice.
This proverb is spoken in the context of wisdom literature, where the wise father (likely Solomon) is offering counsel and instruction to his son, the future king. It follows verses that describe the king's dependence on the Lord for his actions and his commitment to righteous governance, highlighting the ideal ruler who seeks divine guidance for justice.
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"An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment." — This verse isn't just about a king being wise; it suggests his pronouncements carry an almost divine weight, not because kings are inherently perfect, but because their role is to reflect God's justi…