16:12 Doing wickedness 1 is an abomination to kings,
because a throne 2 is established in righteousness.
29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth, 3
his throne 4 will be established forever.
21:7 For the king trusts 5 in the Lord,
and because of the sovereign Lord’s 6 faithfulness he is not upended. 7
By David.
26:1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have integrity, 9
and I trust in the Lord without wavering.
16:5 Then a trustworthy king will be established;
he will rule in a reliable manner,
this one from David’s family. 10
He will be sure to make just decisions
and will be experienced in executing justice. 11
1 sn The “wickedness” mentioned here (רֶשַׁע, resha’) might better be understood as a criminal act, for the related word “wicked” can also mean the guilty criminal. If a king is trying to have a righteous administration, he will detest any criminal acts.
2 tn The “throne” represents the administration, or the decisions made from the throne by the king, and so the word is a metonymy of adjunct (cf. NLT “his rule”).
3 tn The king must judge “in truth” (בֶּאֱמֶת, be’emet). Some have interpreted this to mean “faithfully” (KJV, ASV) but that is somewhat unclear. The idea is that the poor must be treated fairly and justly (cf. NIV “with fairness”; NRSV “with equity”); “truth” is that which corresponds to the standard of the law revealed by God. There must be no miscarriage of justice for these people simply because they are poor.
4 sn The term “throne” is a metonymy of subject; it represents the dynasty, the reign of this particular king and his descendants. The qualification of the enduring administration is its moral character. The language of this proverb reflects the promise of the Davidic Covenant (e.g., Prov 16:12; 20:28; 25:5; 31:5).
5 tn The active participle draws attention to the ongoing nature of the action.
6 tn Traditionally “the Most High’s.” The divine title “Most High” (עֶלְיוֹן, ’elyon) pictures God as the exalted ruler of the universe who vindicates the innocent and judges the wicked. Note the focus of vv. 8-12 and see Ps 47:2.
7 tn Another option is to translate the imperfect verbal form as future, “he will not be upended” (cf. NRSV “he shall not be moved”). Even if one chooses this option, the future tense must be understood in a generalizing sense.
8 sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.
9 tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.”
10 tn Heb “and a throne will be established in faithfulness, and he will sit on it in reliability, in the tent of David.”
11 tn Heb “one who judges and seeks justice, and one experienced in fairness.” Many understand מְהִר (mÿhir) to mean “quick, prompt” (see BDB 555 s.v. מָהִיר), but HALOT 552 s.v. מָהִיר offers the meaning “skillful, experienced,” and translates the phrase in v. 5 “zealous for what is right.”