Proverbs 20:28

28 Kindness and faithfulness protect the king; he supports his throne by kindness.

Proverbs 20:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king
Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice; these preserve him in the affections of his people, and make him safe and secure on his throne; and because of these the Lord preserves him from his enemies. It maybe rendered, "grace and truth" ^F12; and applied to Christ, who is full of both, and which are said to preserve him, ( Psalms 40:11 ) ; and his throne is upholden by mercy;
this explains what is meant by the preservation of him, and what is the security of his throne and kingdom, which is clemency and goodness to his subjects.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 (tmaw dox) "gratis et veritas", Cocceius.

Proverbs 20:28 In-Context

26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and runs them over with a wheel.

27 The breath of a person is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inmost parts.

28 Kindness and faithfulness protect the king; he supports his throne by kindness.

29 Strength is the glory of young men; gray hair is the splendor of old age.

30 Blows and bruises remove evil; beatings cleanse the inner parts.