Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 20:28
What does Proverbs 20:28 mean?
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Proverbs 20:28
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It’s easy to read this as just about a good king having good qualities, but the verse emphasizes that his steadfast love and faithfulness are what preserve him, drawing love and loyalty back from his people. His throne isn't upheld by force, but by the very mercy and truth he shows to those he rules.
Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb stands within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical guidance for living well. It follows verses that touch on the consequences of foolishness and the rewards of diligence, reminding us that wise choices lead to stability. The proverb itself then pivots to consider the qualities that secure leadership, emphasizing the king's reliance on his own character rather than just outward strength.
What makes a leader truly secure? It’s not just military might or wealth. Proverbs points to something more profound, something found in character.
Proverbs 20:28 highlights two essential qualities for a ruler: steadfast love and faithfulness.
Together, these virtues create a foundation of security that external forces cannot match.
The verse repeats a powerful idea about what truly upholds a ruler's authority. It’s a single word, but it carries immense weight.
The latter part of Proverbs 20:28 states, "and by steadfast love his throne is upheld." This repetition isn't accidental; it emphasizes the supreme importance of mercy in sustaining a ruler's reign.
A throne can be shaken by fear, rebellion, or external threats. However, consistent mercy and compassion shown by a leader cultivate loyalty and goodwill among the people. When subjects see their ruler as gracious and caring, they are more likely to support and defend that rule.
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This mercy isn't just about leniency; it's about the very strength and stability of the kingdom. It's a proactive quality that prevents dissent and fosters a healthy society.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
(Hebrew: hesed) God's loyal, covenantal, and sacrificial love that remains committed despite human unfaithfulness; a central attribute of His character.
emeth · Hebrew Noun
Reliability, truthfulness, and integrity; acting in accordance with one's commitments and the standard of God's truth.
kisse · Hebrew Noun
A position of authority, rule, or sovereignty; frequently used to represent the exercise of God's kingdom authority or a ruler's legitimacy.
This passage directly links 'steadfast love and faithfulness' (translated as 'mercy and truth' in many Bibles) with preciousness and divine favor, echoing the proverb's emphasis on these qualities as essential for preservation.
Psalm 130:4It highlights how God's steadfast love and faithfulness lead to reverence and awe from humanity, paralleling how a king’s own mercy and truth can inspire loyalty and respect from his subjects.
Jeremiah 33:9This prophetic passage speaks of God bringing renown, joy, and praise to Jerusalem through acts of steadfast love and faithfulness, illustrating the positive and preserving impact of these virtues on a kingdom and its ruler.
Psalm 89:14This verse declares that justice and faithfulness are the foundation of God's throne, directly connecting the same virtues mentioned in Proverbs 20:28 to the stability and divine appointment of rulership.
bensonProverbs 20:28: "Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."
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 a…
pulpitProverbs 20:28: "Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."
Verse 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 th…
It’s easy to read this as just about a good king having good qualities, but the verse emphasizes that his steadfast love and faithfulness are what preserve him, drawing love and loyalty back from his people. His throne isn't upheld by force, but by the very mercy and truth he shows to those he rules.
This proverb stands within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical guidance for living well. It follows verses that touch on the consequences of foolishness and the rewards of diligence, reminding us that wise choices lead to stability. The proverb itself then pivots to consider the qualities that secure leadership, emphasizing the king's reliance on his own character rather than just outward strength.
This proverb stands within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical guidance for living well. It follows verses that touch on the consequences of foolishness and the rewards of diligence, reminding us that wise choices lead to stability. The proverb itself then pivots to consider the qualities that secure leadership, emphasizing the king's reliance on his own character rather than just outward strength.
"Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld." — It’s easy to read this as just about a good king having good qualities, but the verse emphasizes that his steadfast love and faithfulness are what preserve him, drawing love and loyalty back from…
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Last reviewed October 2026