Proverbs 16:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.

NIV: Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

NASB: Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And one who speaks right is loved.

CSB: Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.

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

KJV: Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

NKJV: Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about the value of good advice (Proverbs 1:8; 8:12–14; 11:14; 19:20). This need for good counsel applies just as much to kings as to common people. In ancient times, as today, no ruler can be perfectly aware of everything happening in their kingdom at all times. Nor can they be experts in all possible areas. So, kings and leaders have always depended on the counsel of their advisers. Dishonest counselors might give treacherous advice that could lead to defeat at the hands of an enemy. They could supply false information that might topple the king from his throne. However, righteous counselors would truthfully guide the king.

Solomon lauds those who speak with righteous lips. This can also be applied beyond royal counselors, to all people. As a king, Solomon appreciated those who spoke with godly truth. Indeed, the rise or fall of an entire kingdom depended upon righteousness. Proverbs 14:34 assures us that "righteousness exalts a nation." Although few people today are ruled by a king, it is still true that a righteous leader and a righteous nation are essential to peace and prosperity. Regardless of the exact relationship, those who seek advice should appreciate godly counselors.

Proverbs 16:10–15 continues Solomon's wise observations. This group of proverbs includes several touching on "kings;" these principles can be applied to other government leaders or authorities, as well. The passage describes ideals regarding leadership and discusses the relationship between rulers and their subjects.

This part of Solomon's proverbs emphasizes human motives, self-control, and common sense. Many of these proverbs are arranged in a two-part style. The first and second half of these statements make the same basic point, but from opposite perspectives. Notable verses are verses 9 and 33, speaking of God's sovereignty, and verse 18, a famous warning about arrogance. Also often cited is verse 25, which repeats Proverbs 14:12 and encourages self-reflection.

A lengthy list of Solomon's wise sayings began in chapter 10. Chapter 16 begins a section mostly composed of comparisons and completions. It extends to Proverbs 22:16. Man's thoughts, speech, motives, and conduct are examined in this chapter. The chapter also addresses pride, evil, and injustice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.