Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom speaks in Proverbs 8, continuing a single declaration that spans verses 14 through 16. The speaker addresses those seeking understanding, positioning herself as the foundation of governing order.
The words — יִמְלֹ֑כוּ (yim.Lo.khu) translates literally as "they reign," and צֶֽדֶק (Tze.dek) means "righteousness." The text states that rulers enact laws grounded in this standard.
The thread — This theme of divinely sanctioned authority appears in Daniel 2:21, where God establishes kings, and Romans 13:1, which grounds all governing power in God. Matthew 28:18 extends the principle by declaring all authority given to Christ.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that legitimate governance derives from a higher standard rather than human autonomy. It demands an acknowledgment of where authority originates before evaluating its exercise.
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
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Cross-references
- Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
- Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
- Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
- Revelation 19:16 And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
- Jeremiah 27:5 By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.
- Daniel 4:32 You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”
- Daniel 5:18 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
- Daniel 7:13 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.
- 1 Samuel 9:17 When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”
- 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”