Proverbs 8:15
New International Version
By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;

New Living Translation
Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.

English Standard Version
By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;

Berean Standard Bible
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;

King James Bible
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

New King James Version
By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

New American Standard Bible
“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

NASB 1995
“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

NASB 1977
“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

Legacy Standard Bible
By me kings reign, And rulers mark out righteousness.

Amplified Bible
“By me kings reign And rulers decide and decree justice.

Christian Standard Bible
It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;

American Standard Version
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

Contemporary English Version
By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair.

English Revised Version
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Through me kings reign, and rulers decree fair laws.

Good News Translation
I help kings to govern and rulers to make good laws.

International Standard Version
Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me.

Majority Standard Bible
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;

NET Bible
Kings reign by means of me, and potentates decree righteousness;

New Heart English Bible
By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.

Webster's Bible Translation
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

World English Bible
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,

Young's Literal Translation
By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,

Smith's Literal Translation
By me kings shall reign, and princes shall decree justice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Through me, kings reign and legislators decree just conditions.

New American Bible
By me kings reign, and rulers enact justice;

New Revised Standard Version
By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
By me kings reign and princes decree justice.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of me, Kings rule, and Rulers search out righteousness.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. 15By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; 16By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.…

Cross References
Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Isaiah 45:1
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Daniel 4:17
This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Jeremiah 27:5-7
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.

Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Psalm 2:10-12
Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. / Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. / Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.


Treasury of Scripture

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

by

1 Samuel 9:17
And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

1 Samuel 16:1
And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

1 Chronicles 28:5
And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

decree

1 Kings 3:9,28
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? …

1 Kings 5:7
And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

1 Kings 10:9
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

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Decisions Decree Decrees Justice Kings Laws Power Princes Reign Right Righteousness Rulers
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Decisions Decree Decrees Justice Kings Laws Power Princes Reign Right Righteousness Rulers
Proverbs 8
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings














By me kings reign
This phrase emphasizes the divine wisdom that underpins the authority of kings. In the biblical context, kingship is often seen as established by God, as seen in passages like Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." The wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 is a reflection of God's own wisdom, which is necessary for righteous governance. Historically, Israelite kings were expected to rule in accordance with God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, where the king is instructed to write a copy of the law and read it all his life. This phrase underscores the belief that true authority and the ability to govern justly come from aligning with divine wisdom.

and rulers enact just laws;
This part of the verse highlights the role of wisdom in the creation and enforcement of justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was a central concern of governance, and rulers were often seen as the ultimate arbiters of justice. The biblical narrative frequently emphasizes the importance of justice, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The phrase suggests that rulers who seek wisdom are able to create laws that reflect God's justice, echoing the biblical theme that righteousness and justice are foundational to God's throne (Psalm 89:14). This also points to the ideal of a ruler who embodies wisdom, a type fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate just ruler in passages like Isaiah 9:6-7, where He is called the "Prince of Peace" and His government is characterized by justice and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wisdom
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified and speaks as a character. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that guides and empowers leaders.

2. Kings
Refers to monarchs or leaders who hold authority over a nation or people. In the context of Proverbs, kings are those who should seek wisdom to rule justly.

3. Rulers
These are individuals in positions of authority, such as governors or officials, who are responsible for enacting laws and maintaining justice.

4. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was a king known for his wisdom, which he received from God.

5. Israel
The nation to which Solomon belonged, often seen as a model for how a nation should seek divine wisdom in governance.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Authority
True authority and the ability to govern justly come from God through His wisdom. Leaders should seek divine guidance to rule effectively.

The Role of Wisdom in Leadership
Wisdom is essential for enacting just laws and making decisions that benefit the community. Leaders should prioritize wisdom over personal ambition or power.

The Responsibility of Rulers
Those in authority have a responsibility to seek wisdom and enact laws that reflect justice and righteousness, serving the people they govern.

The Pursuit of Wisdom for All Believers
While this verse specifically addresses rulers, all believers are called to seek wisdom in their daily lives, influencing their decisions and interactions with others.

Prayer for Leaders
Believers should pray for their leaders to seek and apply divine wisdom in their governance, ensuring that justice and righteousness prevail.(15) Princes.--Literally, men of weight, or, importance.

Verse 15. - By me kings reign. By possession of wisdom kings are enabled to discharge their functions duly and righteously. So Solomon prayed for wisdom to enable him to rule his subjects properly (1 Kings 3:9; Wisd. 9:4). Princes (rozenim, Proverbs 31:4); either those who are weighty, inflexible, or these who weigh causes; the latter explanation seems most suitable. Vulgate, legum conditores; Septuagint, οἱ δυνάσται, These are said to decree justice; literally, to engrave just decrees on tablets; γράφουσι δικαιοσύνην, Septuagint. Early expositors take these words as spoken by Christ, to whom they are very plainly applicable (comp. Isaiah 32:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
By me
בִּ֭י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

kings
מְלָכִ֣ים (mə·lā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

reign,
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ (yim·lō·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

and rulers
וְ֝רוֹזְנִ֗ים (wə·rō·wz·nîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7336: To be weighty, judicious or commanding

enact just
צֶֽדֶק׃ (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

laws;
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ (yə·ḥō·qə·qū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2710: To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign and princes decree (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 8:14
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