Proverbs 16:12
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It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
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The fame, fortune, and future of a civil government depend on righteousness. God ordained governmental authority over nations, and He gave inspired instructions about it through a wise and prosperous king (1:1; Eccl 1:1,12-18; Rom 13:1-7; I Pet 2:13-17). Bible political science gives rules for ideal government - one rule being that leaders must hate sin (16:10). Ruling power is confirmed and strengthened by righteousness.
A king, or any ruler, must be righteous to be worthy of his office and able to discharge his duties rightly (Ex 18:21). The people of a nation will submit to and support a ruler that earns their respect by righteousness. And they will pay his taxes! They will despise and eventually revolt against a ruler that commits wickedness. Solomon warned his son of the virtuous character that rulers must have to preserve their authority and office.
The proverb is not descriptive, for most civil rulers are not righteous. Solomon did not observe that most kings were virtuous. The proverb is preceptive or normative, setting the ideal standard for a great government (20:28; 25:5; 29:4,14). Solomon did know that the legitimacy and duration of authority depended to a great degree on godly character.
A faithful and noble ruler, acting justly and wisely for the interests of his people, will be admired and loved. His throne, or his office and its authority, will be secure due to the loyalty and respect his citizens have for him. A righteous leader of any sort is a glorious thing. His subordinates will cheerfully obey his decisions, because they trust his integrity.
But in addition to that, a faithful and noble ruler will have God securing his throne. God raises up rulers, and he puts them down (Ps 75:7; Dan 2:21). He that is highest has great concern and regard about the conduct of rulers (Eccl 5:8; Jas 3:1). He will bless a righteous ruler with wisdom and protection, but He will overthrow a wicked ruler.
Solomon and Rehoboam violated this rule and lost much of their kingdom. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, lived extravagantly, and heavily taxed the nation. When it asked his son for relief, he consulted with foolish friends, which cost him ten of Israel's twelve tribes. His throne was not established, because he did not abominate wickedness.
The proverb applies to all authority. A husband, father, employer, or pastor will keep the functional authority of his office as long as he is righteous. Every leader should humble himself before this inspired rule, for the effectiveness and length of his authority and influence depends on how much he hates sin, especially his own.
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