Verse

Proverbs 8:15

ESV By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
NIV By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
NASB By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
CSB It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;
NLT Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
KJV By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
NKJV By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

What does Proverbs 8:15 mean?

In this passage, wisdom speaks, poetically personified as a woman who calls out to any who will listen (Proverbs 8:1–4). Godly wisdom, lived out and explained in the life of Jesus, establishes kings on their thrones and enables rulers to introduce laws that are just. History has made it clear that godliness is not always found in rulers; but godly wisdom is what makes them just.

Solomon recognized that the Lord is the source of wisdom, and he also recognized that he needed wisdom from the Lord to rule well as Israel's king. He told the Lord, "And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father…Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people" (1 Kings 3:7, 9). That request made Solomon a profoundly capable leader (1 Kings 3:11–14).

The apostle Paul points out in Romans 13:1 that "there is no authority except from God." An arrogant ruler may not admit that his position of power is by God's appointment. However, no earthly authority exists except by divine appointment, or, at the very least, divine tolerance. Obviously, many kings in Israel's history did not honor God by ruling according to His will, and they were unwilling to submit to His wisdom. Similarly, many rulers today fail to seek God and His wisdom in the administration of their terms of office.
Expand
Context Summary
Proverbs 8:12–21 records more words from the personification of wisdom. She speaks about the value she imparts to those who find her. Contrary to what the adulterous woman of Proverbs 7 offers—poverty and disgrace—wisdom offers true riches, honor, and an inheritance.
Expand
Chapter Summary
In this passage, wisdom is once again imagined as a woman who cries out to be heard (Proverbs 1:20–21). Wisdom extols her own truth and value. Wisdom was part of God's creative power long before even the creation of the universe. The chapter again returns to the many benefits of godly wisdom, before completing those declarations at the start of the next chapter.
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: