Proverbs 8:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;

NIV: By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;

NASB: By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

CSB: It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;

NLT: Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.

KJV: By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

NKJV: By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

In this passage, wisdom speaks, poetically personified as a woman who calls out to any who will listen (Proverbs 8:1–4). Godly wisdom, lived out and explained in the life of Jesus, establishes kings on their thrones and enables rulers to introduce laws that are just. History has made it clear that godliness is not always found in rulers; but godly wisdom is what makes them just.

Solomon recognized that the Lord is the source of wisdom, and he also recognized that he needed wisdom from the Lord to rule well as Israel's king. He told the Lord, "And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father…Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people" (1 Kings 3:7, 9). That request made Solomon a profoundly capable leader (1 Kings 3:11–14).

The apostle Paul points out in Romans 13:1 that "there is no authority except from God." An arrogant ruler may not admit that his position of power is by God's appointment. However, no earthly authority exists except by divine appointment, or, at the very least, divine tolerance. Obviously, many kings in Israel's history did not honor God by ruling according to His will, and they were unwilling to submit to His wisdom. Similarly, many rulers today fail to seek God and His wisdom in the administration of their terms of office.

Proverbs 8:12–21 records more words from the personification of wisdom. She speaks about the value she imparts to those who find her. Contrary to what the adulterous woman of Proverbs 7 offers—poverty and disgrace—wisdom offers true riches, honor, and an inheritance.

In this passage, wisdom is once again imagined as a woman who cries out to be heard (Proverbs 1:20–21). Wisdom extols her own truth and value. Wisdom was part of God's creative power long before even the creation of the universe. The chapter again returns to the many benefits of godly wisdom, before completing those declarations at the start of the next chapter.

Thus far in Proverbs, Solomon has spoken about the virtues of wisdom and the need to acquire it and live by it. He has also warned about the dangers of rejecting wisdom. Chapter 7 ended with a description of a promiscuous woman seducing a foolish young man. Now, in chapter 8, he lets wisdom speak, once again personified as a woman. She speaks about her existence before creation and her gift of life to all who find her. This analogy continues into chapter 9.

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.