Proverbs 16:10
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A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
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This proverb is not an observation, for no king has come close to its declarations. All earthly kings have violated this proverb. This proverb is not political theory, for no natural man can keep its proposals. And neither can it be limited to a prophecy of Christ. Here is political duty! Here is what a king should aim to do, by God's help! And to this end the true people of God will pray for their rulers (Ezra 6:10; Jer 29:7; I Tim 2:1-3).
There is an ellipsis in this proverb, as in others, which we are to understand to get the proper lesson from its words. The proverb describes only wise and righteous kings, as if saying, "A divine sentence is in the lips of the good king." The need for supplying the same ellipsis can be seen elsewhere (18:22; Eccl 7:28). And other proverbs about kings by Solomon confirm this interpretation (16:12-13; 20:8; 20:26,28; 25:4-5; 29:4,14).
David and Solomon were two of the greatest kings ever, with glorious reputations at times in their lives (II Sam 14:17; I Kgs 3:28). Yet their lips did utter profane things, and they perverted judgment during their reigns (II Sam 11:14-17; 23:3-5; I Kgs 11:1-11). Solomon penned these inspired proverbs, many dealing with politics, for the instruction of his son to be a faithful and wise ruler of Israel. You may also take lessons from a king.
Wisdom depends on the fear of God (1:7; 9:10; 15:33), and it is instructed by the word of God (Ps 19:7-11; 119:130). A wise king, trembling before God's word, would have a divine sentence in his lips, for his judgments would reflect God's will (Deut 29:29). Therefore, God gave order for the kings of Israel to have the scriptures always before them (Deut 17:18-20). And civil rulers today would benefit from the same requirement!
All authority is from God, Who ordained five spheres of human rule. It should be every ruler's highest goal to represent God in his judgments (Rom 13:1-7; I Cor 4:1-4; Eph 6:4; Jas 3:1). The only way this high standard can be obtained is by careful study and application of the Bible, which has the final answers for all dilemmas (22:17-21; Ps 119:128; Is 8:20; II Tim 3:16-17). If a man puts total trust in the Lord, God will give him this proverb's wisdom (3:5-6; 16:3; I Sam 10:9; I Kgs 3:5-14; Ps 119:98-100; Jas 1:5).
There is only one righteous king (II Sam 23:1-5; Ps 45:6-7; 89:19-37). A divine sentence is in His lips, and He never transgresses in judgment. He rules the universe, and He is coming soon to judge the world. He is the Blessed and Only Potentate. He will decree: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41). Beg Him for mercy today! Kiss the Son, lest He be angry! (Ps 2:10-12.)
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