Proverbs 16:12

King James Bible

"It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness."

Commentary

This declares that evil deeds by rulers are particularly detestable, both to God and to the moral order. The term 'abomination' suggests that royal wickedness violates the very purpose of kingship, which in ancient Israel was to reflect God's justice. This provides the reason: a ruler's power and stability depend on just governance, not military might or political cunning. The Hebrew concept links righteousness with the cosmic order, implying that unjust rule contains the seeds of its own destruction.

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