KJV ORIGINAL
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Mercy and truth protect the king, and his throne is supported by mercy.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that a ruler stays in power and is protected when he shows mercy and speaks truth to his people.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during the time of Israel's monarchy, when kings held absolute power over their subjects. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rulers often maintained power through fear and oppression, but this wisdom literature taught that true, lasting leadership comes through just and merciful governance. The writer emphasizes that even those in the highest positions of authority need moral character to maintain their position.
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