Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 16:13
What does Proverbs 16:13 mean?
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Proverbs 16:13
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The verse highlights that a truly wise ruler doesn't just want to hear what sounds good, but genuinely cherishes those who speak truth and justice. This isn't just about obedience, but about a king valuing honest counsel and upright words, even when they might be difficult to hear.
Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb follows a section about kings needing wisdom and justice, building on the idea that good governance comes from God. It emphasizes that a king who truly values his rule will appreciate those who speak truthfully and justly, rather than flatterers or deceivers. This truthful speech is seen as bringing honor and advantage to the king, setting up the following verses which contrast a king's wrath with his favor and the wisdom of those who can pacify him.
Ever wonder what truly makes a leader happy? It's not just power or praise.
This verse reveals a beautiful truth about leadership: wise rulers cherish honesty. "Righteous lips are the delight of kings," it says. This means kings who are looking for what is good and right, not just those who flatter them, love to hear the truth. They find joy in people who speak with integrity and advocate for justice. This isn't just about pleasant conversation; it's about sound counsel that brings honor and benefit to the kingdom. A king who truly cares about his people and his reign will surround himself with those who speak what is right, even when it's difficult.
Words have weight, especially when they're honest. What kind of impact do they have?
The proverb connects righteous speech directly to a king's favor and affection. "They love him that speaketh right." This isn't a passive observation; it's an active principle. Speaking what is right—truth, justice, and integrity—earns genuine love and trust from a discerning leader. This kind of speech has the power to bring life and favor, like the refreshing "latter rain" mentioned in the surrounding verses. It’s the opposite of flattery, which is hollow and ultimately destructive. True favor comes from speaking words that align with what is just and true.
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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.
King David, though in a position of power, demonstrates his respect for righteous leadership by refusing to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, highlighting a king's inclination towards those who honor his authority and God's anointing.
Daniel 2:48King Nebuchadnezzar, despite his own flaws, recognizes Daniel's wisdom and integrity, promoting him to a high position because of his righteous spirit and ability to interpret the king's dreams.
Proverbs 14:35This verse directly parallels the idea, stating that a king's favor is shown to his wise and understanding servants, reinforcing the value placed on those who speak truth and act justly in positions of authority.
Matthew 22:16Even in Jesus' time, the Pharisees and Herodians, representing different political factions, attempted to trap Him with His words, showing how those in power scrutinized speech, but Jesus' truthful and righteous words ultimately confounded them.
bensonProverbs 16:13: "Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right."
Proverbs 16:13-15 . Righteous lips are the delight of kings — All wise and good kings do, and all kings should, delight in employing such counsellors, judges, and officers, under them, as are just and faithful in their counsels, sentences, and actions; because such bring great honour and advantage to them. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death — It strikes as great terror into those with wh…
jfbProverbs 16:13: "Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right."
- A specification of the general sentiment of Pr 16:12.
The verse highlights that a truly wise ruler doesn't just want to hear what sounds good, but genuinely cherishes those who speak truth and justice. This isn't just about obedience, but about a king valuing honest counsel and upright words, even when they might be difficult to hear.
This proverb follows a section about kings needing wisdom and justice, building on the idea that good governance comes from God. It emphasizes that a king who truly values his rule will appreciate those who speak truthfully and justly, rather than flatterers or deceivers. This truthful speech is seen as bringing honor and advantage to the king, setting up the following verses which contrast a king's wrath with his favor and the wisdom of those who can pacify him.
This proverb follows a section about kings needing wisdom and justice, building on the idea that good governance comes from God. It emphasizes that a king who truly values his rule will appreciate those who speak truthfully and justly, rather than flatterers or deceivers. This truthful speech is seen as bringing honor and advantage to the king, setting up the following verses which contrast a king's wrath with his favor and the wisdom of those who can pacify him.
"Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right." — The verse highlights that a truly wise ruler doesn't just want to hear what sounds good, but genuinely cherishes those who speak truth and justice. This isn't just about obedience, but about a king v…
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Last reviewed October 2026