Proverbs by theme
Kings
Rulers, and how to stand before them.
- 8:15-16By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.
- 11:14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.
- 14:28A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.
- 14:35A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.
- 16:10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
- 16:12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
- 16:13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
- 16:14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
- 16:15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
- 19:12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
- 20:2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
- 20:8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
- 20:26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
- 20:28Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
- 21:1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
- 22:11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
- 23:1-3When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you, and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
- 24:21-22My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?
- 25:1-5These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched. Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth. Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
- 28:2A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
- 28:15-16Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
- 28:28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
- 29:2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
- 29:4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
- 29:12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
- 29:14A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
- 29:26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
- 30:29-31There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk: a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything; a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.
- 31:1-5These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him: What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows? Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.