Bible Strands
Proverbs 20:28
Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The passage addresses rulers and the community within a wisdom collection, situated between an observation on the human spirit and a contrast of generational glory.
The words — חֶסֶד (Che.sed) means loyalty, and אֱמֶת ('e.met) means faithfulness; the text uses these terms to identify the specific qualities that preserve and sustain a king’s throne.
The thread — This emphasis on loyal conduct and truth aligns with Proverbs 16:12, which ties a throne to righteousness, and Psalms 101:1, where David commits to singing of loving devotion and justice.
Why it lands — The text requires leaders to secure their authority through consistent loyalty and truthful governance rather than through power or wealth.
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
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
- Psalms 26:1 Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
- Psalms 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
- Proverbs 29:14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
- Psalms 21:7 For the king trusts in the LORD; through the loving devotion of the Most High, he will not be shaken.
- Psalms 61:7 May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.
- Proverbs 16:6 By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
- Isaiah 16:5 in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.