Bible Strands
Proverbs 16:12
Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text addresses kings and those in authority within a wisdom instructional context, directed at rulers or officials responsible for governance.
The words — תּוֹעֲבַת (to'evat) = abomination and יִכּוֹן (yikon) = is established anchor the verse’s claim that rulers reject wickedness because authority endures only through righteousness.
The thread — The same principle appears in Proverbs 25:5, Proverbs 29:14, and Proverbs 28:9, which repeatedly tie the stability of a throne to fair judgment, righteous speech, and obedience to the law.
Why it lands — It demands that those in power govern with justice, recognizing that unrighteous conduct destroys authority while righteousness secures it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 25:5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
- Proverbs 29:14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
- Proverbs 28:9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
- Luke 12:48 But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
- Deuteronomy 25:16 For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God.
- Psalms 99:4 The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob.
- Proverbs 20:18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
- Revelation 19:11 Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.