King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Complete Jewish Bible:
By me kings reign, and princes make just laws.
Berean Standard Bible:
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
American Standard Version:
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
By me kings{H4428} reign{H4427}, and princes{H7336} decree{H2710} justice{H6664}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Daniel 2:21
- And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Romans 13:1
- ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Matthew 28:18
- And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Daniel 7:13
- I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Daniel 7:14
- And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 5:18
- O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
Daniel 5:31
- And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.
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Commentary for Proverbs 8:15
Proverbs 8:15 is part of a larger poem found in Proverbs 8:1-36, which personifies Wisdom as a woman calling out to humanity, extolling the virtues of wisdom and understanding. In the historical context of ancient Israel, wisdom was seen as a divine attribute, essential for righteous living and governance. This verse reflects the belief that just and effective rulership is contingent upon wisdom, suggesting that wise counsel and guidance are indispensable for kings and leaders to establish and maintain justice.
The theme of Proverbs 8:15 emphasizes the importance of wisdom in leadership. It implies that wise governance leads to the enactment of fair laws and just decisions. The verse also underscores the idea that authority figures, whether kings or lesser rulers (princes), are enabled to rule effectively because of wisdom, which can be understood as both a divine gift and a quality to be sought after diligently. In essence, the verse speaks to the foundational role of wisdom in the establishment and administration of justice within a society, and it reflects the ancient Israelite understanding that wise rule is a manifestation of divine order.
In the broader context of the book of Proverbs, this verse contributes to the didactic purpose of the collection, which is to impart practical wisdom for living a virtuous and successful life. It serves as a reminder to both rulers and the ruled that wisdom is not just an abstract concept but a practical necessity for the functioning of a just society. The verse also echoes the theme that wisdom, often portrayed as a woman, is accessible to those who seek her, and that her ways lead to life and favor from the Lord.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H4427
There are 284 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָלַךְ
Transliteration: mâlak
Pronunciation: maw-lak'
Description: a primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence (by implication) to take counsel; consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H7336
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָזַן
Transliteration: râzan
Pronunciation: raw-zan'
Description: a primitive root; probably to be heavy, i.e. (figuratively) honorable; prince, ruler. - Strong's Number: H2710
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָקַק
Transliteration: châqaq
Pronunciation: khaw-kak'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to hack, i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe; appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. - Strong's Number: H6664
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צֶדֶק
Transliteration: tsedeq
Pronunciation: tseh'-dek
Description: from צָדַק; the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity; [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness).