Add parallel Print Page Options

28 A growing population is a king’s glory;
    a prince without subjects has nothing.

Read full chapter

28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.

Read full chapter

35 A king rejoices in wise servants
    but is angry with those who disgrace him.

Read full chapter

35 A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.

Read full chapter

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;
    he must never judge unfairly.

Read full chapter

10 God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.

Read full chapter

12 A king detests wrongdoing,
    for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
    the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life;
    his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

Read full chapter

12 It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.[a]

13 The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair.

14 The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

15 Many favors are showered on those who please the king.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:12 His right to rule depends upon his fairness, literally, “For the throne is established by righteousness.”

Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

Read full chapter

Truth from a rebel or lies from a king are both unexpected.

Read full chapter

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,
    but they will be severely punished.

Read full chapter

11 The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:11 they shall be severely punished, literally, “a stern [ruthless] messenger will be sent against him.”

12 The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Read full chapter

12 The king’s anger is as dangerous as a lion’s. But his approval is as refreshing as the dew on grass.

Read full chapter

The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;
    to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

Read full chapter

The king’s fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

Read full chapter

When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,
    distinguishing the bad from the good.

Read full chapter

A king sitting as judge weighs all the evidence carefully, distinguishing the true from false.

Read full chapter

26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,
    then runs his threshing wheel over them.

Read full chapter

26 A wise king stamps out crime by severe punishment.

Read full chapter

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
    his throne is made secure through love.

Read full chapter

28 If a king is kind, honest, and fair, his kingdom stands secure.

Read full chapter

21 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
    he guides it wherever he pleases.

Read full chapter

21 Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the king’s thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to.

Read full chapter