Proverbs 16:10-13
An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that a king's words hold an "oracle-like" authority, meaning his pronouncements should be so wise and just that they feel divinely inspired and beyond error. This doesn't necessarily mean every king is infallible, but that the ideal and expected role of a king is to rule with such profound wisdom and integrity that his judgments are seen as reflections of God's own justice.
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon offers wisdom and guidance, likely intended for his son, on how to rule justly. It contrasts the ideal of a wise, God-fearing king, whose pronouncements are considered almost divine, with the dangers of arrogance and injustice. The verses immediately following (16:11-15) continue this theme by emphasizing the importance of fair weights, honest dealings, and the king's role in maintaining order and prosperity.
Imagine your leader's words carrying the weight of prophecy, able to settle any dispute instantly. This verse suggests a king's pronouncements are meant to be like divine messages.
The Hebrew word translated here as 'divine sentence' (qesem) can mean 'divination' or 'oracle.' In ancient Near Eastern thought, kings were often seen as representatives of the gods on earth. This verse doesn't necessarily mean every king always spoke infallibly, but rather that a righteous king's pronouncements were considered to have a divine authority and certainty. His judgments were expected to reflect God's wisdom, settling matters with clarity and finality, much like a divine oracle would.
Think of it this way:
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 16:10-13 is available in the Sola app.
Does this verse mean kings are perfect and never make mistakes? The commentary suggests we should look closer at what it's really saying about their role.
While the verse speaks of a king's lips having a 'divine sentence' and his mouth not sinning in judgment, it's crucial to understand this often describes an ideal or a duty, not a constant reality. The Hebrew verb for 'is' is sometimes omitted, leading scholars to interpret this as 'a divine sentence should be on the lips of a king.'
This highlights:
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.
mō’zənê tsedeq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun Phrase
Denotes moral integrity, fairness, and adherence to the standards of God's law. In business and life, it refers to acting with honesty and equity in accordance with God's character.
tô‘ēbâ · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally detestable, loathsome, or offensive, particularly in the eyes of God. It often refers to practices or attitudes that violate the holiness and covenantal expectations of the Lord.
kisse’ · Hebrew Noun
The seat of royal authority and power. In a biblical context, it symbolizes stable governance, justice, and the delegated authority of God over his people or nations.
tsədāqâ · Hebrew Noun
The quality of being morally right, upright, or just according to God's standard. It is the essential foundation for legitimate authority and the stability of any government or relationship.
śiptê-tsedeq · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Truthful, honest, and morally upright speech. It implies words that are aligned with the truth of God and spoken with the intent of reflecting His wisdom and integrity.
This passage highlights David's wisdom and discernment, showing how a king's judgment could be seen as divinely inspired, reflecting the ideal presented in Proverbs.
1 Kings 3:28This is a prime example of Solomon's wise judgment, directly attributed to God's gifting him with wisdom, illustrating the 'divine sentence' on a king's lips when he rules justly.
Psalm 82:6This psalm calls earthly rulers 'gods,' emphasizing the immense authority and accountability they hold, which aligns with the idea that their pronouncements in judgment should be exceptionally wise and just.
Acts 12:22The people's exclamation about Herod's speech, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' shows how rulers, especially in ancient times, could be perceived as oracular, underscoring the weight and expectation placed on their words.
Proverbs 8:15This verse directly states that kings reign and decree justice by Wisdom, reinforcing the concept that true, just governance and pronouncements stem from divine wisdom, not just human authority.
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 highlights that a king's words hold an "oracle-like" authority, meaning his pronouncements should be so wise and just that they feel divinely inspired and beyond error. This doesn't necessarily mean every king is infallible, but that the ideal and expected role of a king is to rule with such profound wisdom and integrity that his judgments are seen as reflections of God's own justice.
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon offers wisdom and guidance, likely intended for his son, on how to rule justly. It contrasts the ideal of a wise, God-fearing king, whose pronouncements are considered almost divine, with the dangers of arrogance and injustice. The verses immediately following (16:11-15) continue this theme by emphasizing the importance of fair weights, honest dealings, and the king's role in maintaining order and prosperity.
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon offers wisdom and guidance, likely intended for his son, on how to rule justly. It contrasts the ideal of a wise, God-fearing king, whose pronouncements are considered almost divine, with the dangers of arrogance and injustice. The verses immediately following (16:11-15) continue this theme by emphasizing the importance of fair weights, honest dealings, and the king's role in maintaining order and prosperity.
"An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is…" — This verse highlights that a king's words hold an "oracle-like" authority, meaning his pronouncements should be so wise and just that they feel divinely inspired and beyond error. This doesn't necess…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
