Bible Strands
Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses rulers and court officials, framing the instruction within the political reality of ancient monarchy where royal favor determines safety and advancement.
The words — צֶ֑דֶק (Tze.dek) means righteousness, and יְשָׁרִ֣ים (ye.sha.Rim) denotes upright or honest speech, both describing the moral quality of the lips that secure royal approval.
The thread — This theme recurs in Proverbs 14:35, which contrasts a king’s delight in a wise servant with his anger toward the shameful, and in Proverbs 22:11, which links a pure heart and gracious lips to friendship with a king.
Why it lands — The text demands the cultivation of truthful, morally sound speech as a practical means of navigating authority and securing favor without relying on manipulation or flattery.
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
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 14:35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.
- Psalms 101:5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.
- Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.