Proverbs 16:10

¶ A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

A divine sentence {H7081} is in the lips {H8193} of the king {H4428}: his mouth {H6310} transgresseth {H4603} not in judgment {H4941}.

Divine inspiration is on the lips of the king, so his mouth must be faithful when he judges.

A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.

Proverbs 16:10 highlights the ideal of a ruler whose pronouncements are divinely inspired and whose judgments are unfailingly just. This verse paints a picture of a king who governs with wisdom and integrity, reflecting God's own righteousness.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, offering practical advice and moral instruction for living a righteous life. Within this context, many proverbs address the role and responsibilities of kings and leaders, recognizing their immense influence on society. In ancient Israel, the king was not just a political figure but also a spiritual one, expected to uphold God's law and administer justice. This verse describes an aspirational quality for a monarch, emphasizing the profound impact of their words and decisions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inspiration in Leadership: The phrase "A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king" suggests that the king's pronouncements are not merely human opinions but are guided by divine wisdom. This ideal ruler is seen as an instrument of God's justice.
  • Righteous Judgment: "His mouth transgresseth not in judgment" speaks to the unerring accuracy and fairness expected of a king's decisions. It implies a ruler who is free from corruption, partiality, and error when delivering verdicts. This is a crucial aspect of good governance and societal stability.
  • The Ideal Ruler: While earthly kings often fall short, this proverb sets a high standard for leadership, pointing towards a ruler who embodies justice and truth. It speaks to the ultimate authority and source of true wisdom being God himself, from whom all just judgment flows.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "divine sentence" is qesem (קֶסֶם). While often used elsewhere in the Old Testament to refer to divination or sorcery (which is forbidden), in this context, it takes on a positive meaning, signifying a pronouncement or oracle that carries divine authority and wisdom. It implies a king whose decisions are so accurate and just that they seem to be divinely inspired, almost like an oracle from God. The phrase "transgresseth not" (לא ימעל - lo yim'al) emphasizes the king's fidelity and integrity in judgment, indicating a profound commitment to truth and righteousness.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

For leaders today, whether in government, business, or the home, Proverbs 16:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to seek divine wisdom and act with integrity and justice. It encourages those in authority to not rely solely on their own understanding but to seek guidance from a higher source. For all people, it offers comfort in the knowledge that God ultimately presides over all human affairs, and His perfect judgment will prevail. We are called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:2) that they might be instruments of divine justice and wisdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 32:1

    ¶ Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.

  • Isaiah 32:2

    And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

  • Genesis 44:5

    [Is] not this [it] in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

  • Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:6

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

  • Genesis 44:15

    And Joseph said unto them, What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

  • Amos 5:7

    Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

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