Bible Strands
Proverbs 29:14
A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author presents a wisdom maxim concerning royal conduct, situated between a statement on God’s impartial sight over the oppressed (v. 13) and a warning about unchecked youth (v. 15). It addresses leaders generally rather than a specific historical audience at a defined moment.
The words — The Hebrew שׁוֹפֵט (sho.Fet) means "judges" and בֶּֽ/אֱמֶ֣ת (be./'e.Met) means "in truth," forming the qualifying phrase "judges in truth" that modifies the king’s treatment of the דַּלִּ֑ים (da.Lim), or "poor."
The thread — The link between equitable judgment of the vulnerable and stable governance runs through Proverbs 16:12, Isaiah 11:4, and Psalms 72:2, which associate righteous judicial conduct with the establishment or blessing of a throne.
Why it lands — The text states that impartial judicial treatment of the economically vulnerable guarantees the permanence of a ruler’s authority, requiring leaders to prioritize justice over convenience or bias as the sole foundation of lasting stability.
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
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
- Isaiah 11:4 but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
- Psalms 72:2 May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
- Proverbs 20:28 Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
- Proverbs 29:4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
- Psalms 72:12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.
- Psalms 89:2 For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.”
- Proverbs 25:5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
- Proverbs 28:16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.