Proverbs 16:12

Proverbs 16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

Ver. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness.] It is so for any man, but especially for great men. Peter Martyr told Queen Elizabeth in an epistle, that princes were doubly obliged to God: first, as men; secondly, as chief men. When I was born into the world, said Henry IV of France, there were thousands of others born besides myself; what have I done to God more than they? It is his mere grace and mercy which doth bind me more unto his justice; for the faults of great men are never small. a Thus he. It is reported of Tamberlane, b that warlike Scythian, that having overcome Bajazet the great Turk, he asked him whether ever he had given God thanks for making him so great an emperor? who confessed ingenuously he never thought of it. To whom Tamberlane replied, that it was no wonder so ungrateful a man should be made a spectacle of misery. For you, saith he, being blind of one eye, and I lame of a leg, was there any worth in us, why God should set us over two great empires of Turks and Tartars, to command many more worthy than ourselves? Good turns aggravate unkindnesses; and men's offences are increased by their obligations.

For the throne is established by righteousness.] Politicians give many directions for the upholding and conserving of kingdoms; but this of Solomon is far beyond them all. See it exemplified in Jeremiah 22:15,20, "Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?" &c.

a French Chron.

b Leunclav, Annal. Turci.