Proverbs 16:12

“[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, etc.] The Targum is, “the abomination of kings are they that work wickedness.” It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness themselves, and those that do it should be abhorred by them, or they should show their resentment at it by removing them from their presence, or by punishing them: and though there have been such kings as David, (<19A104>Psalm 101:4,7); yet there are but few such; this is not true of kings in common; and therefore rather expresses what they should be than what they are; but is perfectly applicable to Christ, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity, (<194507>Psalm 45:7); for the throne is established…”

“Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.”

“16:12-13 These proverbs presuppose a wise, godly king (see Isa 9:6-7). Many of Israel’s kings loved wrongdoing and hated truth (e.g., Ahab in 1 Kgs 21).”

“an: Pro 28:9; Deu 25:16; Luk 12:48 for: Pro 20:18, Pro 25:5, Pro 29:14; Psa 99:4; Rev 19:11 Proverbs 16:13”

“12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, For by righteousness the throne is established. As 10b uttered a warning to the king, grounded on the fact of 10a, so 12a indirectly contains a warning, which is confirmed by the fact 12b. It is a fact that the throne is established by righteousness (יכּון as expressive of a rule, like הוּכן, Isa 16:5, as expressive of an event); on this account it is an abomination to kings immediately or mediately to commit wickedness, i.e., to place themselves in despotic self-will above the law. Such wicked conduct shall be, and ought to be, an abhorrence to them, because they know that they thereby endanger the stability of their throne. This is…”