Proverbs 16:13

KJV

¶ Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

KJV (with Strong's)

Righteous {H6664} lips {H8193} are the delight {H7522} of kings {H4428}; and they love {H157} him that speaketh {H1696} right {H3477}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king should delight in righteous lips, and he should love someone who speaks what is right.

Berean Standard Bible

Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

American Standard Version

Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:13 profoundly articulates the intrinsic value of integrity and truthfulness in communication, particularly in the eyes of those in positions of authority. It asserts that speech characterized by righteousness and moral uprightness is not merely tolerated but genuinely cherished and sought after by kings and leaders. This proverb highlights that discerning rulers find deep satisfaction in counsel and discourse that is just and accurate, and they naturally develop affection and trust for individuals who consistently articulate what is true and equitable. It underscores the foundational role of honest and virtuous speech in fostering effective governance, stable relationships, and mutual respect within any sphere of influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16:13 is strategically placed within a section of Proverbs that consistently explores themes of divine sovereignty, the nature of wise leadership, and the profound impact of human words. The immediate preceding verse, [Proverbs 16:12](/proverbs/16-12 "Proverbs 16:12 - Kings and Righteousness"), declares, "It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness." This statement directly sets the stage, establishing that legitimate authority and enduring stability are fundamentally rooted in justice and moral integrity. Following [Proverbs 16:13](/proverbs/16-13 "Proverbs 16:13 - Righteous Lips"), the chapter continues to delve into the importance of wisdom, humility, and the Lord's guiding hand in human endeavors, as exemplified in [Proverbs 16:16](/proverbs/16-16 "Proverbs 16:16 - The Value of Wisdom"). Thus, Proverbs 16:13 functions as a specific, practical application of the broader principle that righteousness is indispensable for sound governance and harmonious relationships, particularly between rulers and their advisors or subjects.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings wielded immense power, often perceived as divine agents or the embodiment of justice within their realms. Royal courts were pivotal centers of power, critical decision-making, and frequently, political intrigue. The quality of counsel a king received was paramount to the stability, prosperity, and moral integrity of the kingdom. Consequently, flattery, deceit, and self-serving advice posed constant threats to effective rule. Against this backdrop, a king who genuinely valued justice and the well-being of his people would naturally seek out and take delight in advisors whose words were characterized by truth and righteousness, rather than mere sycophancy or personal gain. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: _tsedeq_) was deeply ingrained in the legal, ethical, and spiritual fabric of Israelite society, signifying conformity to God's standards of justice, fairness, and moral integrity. This pervasive cultural emphasis on truth and justice in public life makes the proverb acutely relevant to the conduct of both those in power and those who serve them.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **centrality of righteous speech**. The book consistently emphasizes that words possess immense power, capable of building up or tearing down, bringing life or death ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Secondly, it illuminates the **nature of wise leadership**. A discerning leader, as depicted in Proverbs, understands that true strength and stability derive from upholding justice and truth, not from arbitrary power or fleeting popularity. The proverb implicitly suggests that wise kings actively cultivate an environment where truth can be spoken freely and are themselves drawn to it. Finally, it highlights the **universal value of integrity and truthfulness** in all human interactions, extending the principle beyond the royal court to every facet of life. The enduring principle that truth-telling earns favor and builds trust is universally applicable, making the proverb a timeless guide for ethical communication and relational dynamics.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous** (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_): This word (H6664) refers to that which is right—whether naturally, morally, or legally. It also abstractly signifies equity, justice, or prosperity. When applied to "lips," it denotes speech that is inherently just, fair, morally upright, and aligned with divine standards of truth and integrity. It implies not merely the absence of falsehood, but the active articulation of what is true, equitable, and in harmony with God's character and will.
* **Delight** (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_): This term (H7522) conveys pleasure, favor, acceptance, or a strong desire, particularly as demonstrated by an authority figure. It signifies that righteous speech is not simply tolerated or accepted by kings, but is actively desired and brings them genuine satisfaction and approval. This suggests a deep appreciation for the moral and qualitative excellence of the words spoken, indicating a profound resonance with the truth they convey.
* **Right** (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_): Derived from the root meaning "to be straight" (H3477), this word describes something as straight, upright, or just, both literally and figuratively. In the context of "speaketh right," it refers to communication that is morally correct, honest, equitable, and in alignment with what is proper and true. It emphasizes the directness and integrity of the message, free from crookedness or deceit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Righteous lips are the delight of kings":** This clause establishes a direct and profound connection between the moral quality of speech and the favor it garners from those in authority. "Righteous lips" (speech characterized by truth, justice, and moral integrity) are not merely acceptable but are a source of genuine pleasure, satisfaction, and approval for kings. This implies that discerning leaders value honest, upright, and equitable counsel, recognizing it as indispensable for sound governance, wise decision-making, and the overall well-being of their realm.
* **"and they love him that speaketh right."**: This second clause powerfully reinforces and expands upon the first, utilizing a form of synonymous parallelism. The "kings" (implied by "they") not only delight in the *quality* of righteous speech but also "love" (H157, _ʼâhab_, to have affection for) the *person* who consistently speaks what is "right" (H3477, _yâshâr_, straight, upright, just). This highlights that integrity in communication builds profound trust and earns genuine affection and loyalty from those in positions of power, fostering a relationship founded on mutual respect, reliability, and the shared pursuit of truth and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "and they love him that speaketh right," reiterates and amplifies the core sentiment of the first, "Righteous lips are the delight of kings." Both clauses express the same fundamental idea—that kings appreciate and favor truthful and just communication—but they do so using varied phrasing, thereby reinforcing the message's importance and impact. **Metonymy** is also present, as "lips" (a physical part of the body) stands in for the entire act of "speech" or "words," emphasizing that the very utterances themselves are imbued with righteousness. Furthermore, the verse uses subtle **Personification** by attributing "delight" and "love" to kings in response to abstract qualities of speech, highlighting their active appreciation and deep desire for such communication, as if the words themselves possess an attractive quality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:13 underscores a fundamental theological principle: God Himself is the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness, and He delights supremely in those who reflect His character in their words and deeds. Just as earthly kings are depicted as valuing righteous speech, so too does the Heavenly King, whose throne is established upon righteousness and justice ([Psalm 89:14](/psalm/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of Your Throne")). This proverb connects profoundly to the broader biblical emphasis on the power and importance of the tongue, presenting it as an instrument for good when used in alignment with divine wisdom and truth. It teaches that integrity in communication is not merely a social nicety or a pragmatic strategy for gaining favor, but a moral imperative that brings favor from God and builds strong, trustworthy relationships, mirroring God's own unwavering faithfulness and truthfulness.

* [Proverbs 22:11](/proverbs/22-11 "Proverbs 22:11 - Purity of Heart and Gracious Speech")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Wholesome Speech")
* [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Speech Seasoned with Salt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Proverbs 16:13 specifically mentions "kings," its profound wisdom extends far beyond royal courts to encompass every sphere of influence and every relationship in our contemporary lives. The underlying principle remains timeless and universally applicable: integrity and truthfulness in our communication are invaluable assets. Whether we are interacting with employers, colleagues, family members, friends, or even strangers, cultivating "righteous lips" means diligently ensuring that our words are consistently honest, fair, constructive, and free from any hint of deceit, manipulation, or flattery. This kind of communication actively builds trust, fosters genuine connection, and creates an environment where truth can flourish and relationships can deepen. Just as a wise king relies on honest counsel for effective governance and the well-being of his realm, so too do healthy families, thriving workplaces, strong communities, and vibrant churches depend on transparent, upright, and truthful discourse. As followers of Christ, we are called to be people whose words consistently reflect the righteousness of God, speaking truth in love and seeking to build up rather than tear down, thereby becoming agents of His kingdom in our daily interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to cultivate more "righteous lips" and greater integrity in my communication?**
* **How does my daily speech reflect my inner character and my commitment to God's truth?**
* **What impact do my words have on those in positions of authority over me, and equally important, on those whom I influence?**
* **Am I more inclined to speak what is popular or convenient, or what is truly right, even when it might be difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why does the verse specifically mention "kings"? Is this only applicable to political leaders, or does it have broader relevance?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly names "kings," this is a common and effective literary device employed in Proverbs to refer to anyone in a position of authority, leadership, or significant influence. In ancient Israel, the king represented the ultimate earthly authority, and his court served as the primary context for public discourse, counsel, and decision-making. Therefore, the principles articulated here are broadly applicable to anyone who holds a leadership role—whether in government, business, education, the church, or even within the family unit. The core message is that those who possess power, and who are truly wise and discerning, will inherently value and actively seek out honest, just, and truthful communication from those around them. Conversely, the proverb also implies that those who desire to gain favor, trust, and influence with leaders should cultivate such righteous and truthful speech, recognizing its intrinsic value in fostering healthy and productive relationships. The wisdom of [Proverbs 16:13](/proverbs/16-13 "Proverbs 16:13 - Righteous Lips") transcends its specific historical context to offer timeless guidance for ethical communication in all hierarchical and relational dynamics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:13 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of righteous speech and the eternal Word of God made flesh. While earthly kings may delight in righteous lips, the Heavenly Father delights eternally and perfectly in His Son, Jesus, whose every word and action flawlessly reflects divine truth, justice, and righteousness. Jesus, as the quintessential "speaker of right," consistently spoke words of truth, grace, and life, even when His message led to profound opposition and ultimately, His crucifixion. His teachings, meticulously recorded in the Gospels, are the supreme example of "righteous lips," always just, always true, and always in perfect alignment with God's will and purpose ([John 8:45-46](/john/8-45-46 "John 8:45-46 - Jesus Speaks the Truth")). He is the one whom the Father "loves" and in whom He is "well pleased," a truth powerfully affirmed at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus") and [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")). Furthermore, as believers, we are called to imitate Christ, allowing His indwelling Spirit to transform our hearts and, consequently, our speech. Our lips are to become "righteous" as we speak truth in love, building up the body of Christ and testifying to the ultimate King, Jesus, whose words bring eternal life and delight to the Father and all who believe and obey ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love") and [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:35

¶ The king's favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 22:11

¶ He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the king [shall be] his friend.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Psalms 101:7

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.