New International VersionBy me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
New Living TranslationBecause of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
English Standard VersionBy me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
Berean Standard BibleBy me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
King James BibleBy me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
New King James VersionBy me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
New American Standard Bible“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
NASB 1995“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
NASB 1977“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
Legacy Standard BibleBy me kings reign, And rulers mark out righteousness.
Amplified Bible“By me kings reign And rulers decide and decree justice.
Christian Standard BibleIt is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;
Holman Christian Standard BibleIt is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;
American Standard VersionBy me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
Contemporary English VersionBy my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair.
English Revised VersionBy me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThrough me kings reign, and rulers decree fair laws.
Good News TranslationI help kings to govern and rulers to make good laws.
International Standard VersionKings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me.
NET BibleKings reign by means of me, and potentates decree righteousness;
New Heart English BibleBy me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
Webster's Bible TranslationBy me kings reign, and princes decree justice. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBy me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
World English BibleBy me kings reign, and princes decree justice. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,
Young's Literal Translation By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,
Smith's Literal TranslationBy me kings shall reign, and princes shall decree justice. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBy me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,
Catholic Public Domain VersionThrough me, kings reign and legislators decree just conditions.
New American BibleBy me kings reign, and rulers enact justice;
New Revised Standard VersionBy me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBy me kings reign and princes decree justice.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBecause of me, Kings rule, and Rulers search out righteousness. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationBy me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Excellence of Wisdom… 14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. 15By mekingsreign,and rulersenact justlaws;16By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.…
Cross References Romans 13:1-2Everyone 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. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Daniel 2:21He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Isaiah 45:1This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:
1 Peter 2:13-14Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
Psalm 75:6-7For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.
John 19:11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
Daniel 4:17This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
1 Timothy 2:1-2First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Jeremiah 27:5-7By 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. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.
Colossians 1:16For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Isaiah 9:6-7For 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. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
Revelation 1:5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,
1 Kings 3:9-12Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...
Matthew 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Psalm 2:10-12Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. / Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. / Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
Treasury of Scripture By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. by 1 Samuel 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. 1 Samuel 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. decree 1 Kings 3:9,28 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … 1 Kings 5:7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessedbe the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. 1 Kings 10:9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. Jump to Previous DecisionsDecreeDecreesJusticeKingsLawsPowerPrincesReignRightRighteousnessRulersJump to Next DecisionsDecreeDecreesJusticeKingsLawsPowerPrincesReignRightRighteousnessRulersProverbs 8 1.the fame6.and evidence of wisdom10.The excellence12.the nature15.the power18.the riches22.and the eternity of wisdom32.Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it bringsBy me kings reignThis phrase emphasizes the divine wisdom that underpins the authority of kings. In the biblical context, kingship is often seen as established by God, as seen in passages like Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." The wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 is a reflection of God's own wisdom, which is necessary for righteous governance. Historically, Israelite kings were expected to rule in accordance with God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, where the king is instructed to write a copy of the law and read it all his life. This phrase underscores the belief that true authority and the ability to govern justly come from aligning with divine wisdom. and rulers enact just laws;
This part of the verse highlights the role of wisdom in the creation and enforcement of justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was a central concern of governance, and rulers were often seen as the ultimate arbiters of justice. The biblical narrative frequently emphasizes the importance of justice, as seen inMicah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The phrase suggests that rulers who seek wisdom are able to create laws that reflect God's justice, echoing the biblical theme that righteousness and justice are foundational to God's throne (Psalm 89:14). This also points to the ideal of a ruler who embodies wisdom, a type fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate just ruler in passages likeIsaiah 9:6-7, where He is called the "Prince of Peace" and His government is characterized by justice and righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. WisdomIn Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified and speaks as a character. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that guides and empowers leaders. 2. KingsRefers to monarchs or leaders who hold authority over a nation or people. In the context of Proverbs, kings are those who should seek wisdom to rule justly. 3. RulersThese are individuals in positions of authority, such as governors or officials, who are responsible for enacting laws and maintaining justice. 4. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was a king known for his wisdom, which he received from God. 5. IsraelThe nation to which Solomon belonged, often seen as a model for how a nation should seek divine wisdom in governance. Teaching Points The Source of True AuthorityTrue authority and the ability to govern justly come from God through His wisdom. Leaders should seek divine guidance to rule effectively. The Role of Wisdom in LeadershipWisdom is essential for enacting just laws and making decisions that benefit the community. Leaders should prioritize wisdom over personal ambition or power. The Responsibility of RulersThose in authority have a responsibility to seek wisdom and enact laws that reflect justice and righteousness, serving the people they govern. The Pursuit of Wisdom for All BelieversWhile this verse specifically addresses rulers, all believers are called to seek wisdom in their daily lives, influencing their decisions and interactions with others. Prayer for LeadersBelievers should pray for their leaders to seek and apply divine wisdom in their governance, ensuring that justice and righteousness prevail. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8
What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics?
Who was King Elah in the Bible?
If Romans 13:3 claims rulers promote good and punish bad, why have some historical governments done the opposite without facing apparent divine judgment?
How did Solomon resolve the dispute between two mothers?(15) Princes.--Literally, men of weight,or, importance.Verse 15. - By me kings reign. By possession of wisdom kings are enabled to discharge their functions duly and righteously. So Solomon prayed for wisdom to enable him to rule his subjects properly ( 1 Kings 3:9; Wisd. 9:4). Princes ( rozenim, Proverbs 31:4); either those who are weighty, inflexible, or these who weigh causes; the latter explanation seems most suitable. Vulgate, legum conditores; Septuagint, οἱ δυνάσται, These are said to decree justice; literally, to engrave just decrees on tablets; γράφουσι δικαιοσύνην, Septuagint. Early expositors take these words as spoken by Christ, to whom they are very plainly applicable (comp. Isaiah 32:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew By meבִּ֭י(bî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewkingsמְלָכִ֣ים(mə·lā·ḵîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428:A kingreign,יִמְלֹ֑כוּ(yim·lō·ḵū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counseland rulersוְ֝רוֹזְנִ֗ים(wə·rō·wz·nîm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7336:To be weighty, judicious or commandingenact justצֶֽדֶק׃(ṣe·ḏeq)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664:The right, equity, prosperitylaws;יְחֹ֣קְקוּ(yə·ḥō·qə·qū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2710:To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign and princes decree (Prov. Pro Pr) |
