Proverbs 16:10

“A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king, etc.] Or “divination”f464, as the word signifies; or what is like to divination, as Aben Ezra and Gersom interpret itf465. What be says is as an oracle, and should be strictly true. Some understand it of the sagacity and penetration of kings, as was in Solomon, and appeared in his judging the two harlots; but such is not to be found in kings in common: rather therefore this expresses and designs what should be, and not what is, in kings. These, as the kings of Israel, ought to have the book of God before them, and read in it, and judge and pronounce sentence in every case according to it; they should speak as the oracles of God; and, when they…”

“The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.”

“A divine sentence - See the margin, i. e., “soothsaying” in its darker aspect as contrasted with prophecy. The true oracle is to be sought, not from soothsayers and diviners, but “at the lips of the king,” who is ideally the representative, the προφήτης prophētēs of Yahweh, in His government of mankind. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A divine sentence - Great sagacity and piercing judgment. Of the king - Of wise kings; who only are worthy of that name and office. Proverbs 16:11”

“16:10-15 This series of sayings reflects on the king, who represents God’s power on earth. 16:10 Divine wisdom refers to divinely inspired guidance that helps the king make judgments (e.g., 1 Kgs 3:28; see also Ps 72:2).”

“A divine sentence: Heb. Divination, Pro 16:12, Pro 16:13; Gen 44:5, Gen 44:15; Deu 17:18-20; Sa2 23:3, Sa2 23:4; Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7, Psa 72:1-4; Psa 99:4; Isa 32:1, Isa 32:2; Jer 23:5, Jer 23:6 transgresseth: Hos 10:4; Amo 5:7, Amo 6:12 Proverbs 16:11”

“10 Oracular decision (belongeth) to the lips of the king; In the judgment his mouth should not err. The first line is a noun clause: קסם, as subject, thus needs a distinctive accent, and that is here, after the rule of the sequence of accents, and manuscript authority (vid., Torath Emeth, p. 49), not Mehuppach legarme, as in our printed copies, but Dechi (קסם). Jerome's translation: Divinatio in labiis regis, in judicio non errabit os ejus, and yet more Luther's: "his mouth fails not in judgment," makes it appear as if the proverb meant that the king, in his official duties, was infallible; and Hitzig (Zckler agreeing), indeed, finds here expressed the infallibility of the theocratic king,…”