Proverbs 8:16
New International Version
by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.

New Living Translation
Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.

English Standard Version
by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.

Berean Standard Bible
By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.

King James Bible
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

New King James Version
By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.

New American Standard Bible
“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

NASB 1995
“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

NASB 1977
“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

Legacy Standard Bible
By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

Amplified Bible
“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge and govern rightly.

Christian Standard Bible
by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges.

American Standard Version
By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

Contemporary English Version
Every honest leader rules with help from me.

English Revised Version
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Through me princes rule, so do nobles and all fair judges.

Good News Translation
Every ruler on earth governs with my help, officials and nobles alike.

International Standard Version
By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly.

Majority Standard Bible
By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.

NET Bible
by me princes rule, as well as nobles and all righteous judges.

New Heart English Bible
By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

Webster's Bible Translation
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

World English Bible
By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By me chiefs rule, and nobles, "" All judges of earth.

Young's Literal Translation
By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.

Smith's Literal Translation
By me chiefs shall have dominion, and nobles all judging the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Through me, princes rule and the powerful decree justice.

New American Bible
By me princes govern, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.

New Revised Standard Version
by me rulers rule, and nobles, all who govern rightly.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
By me princes and nobles rule, even all the righteous judges of the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of me Rulers are authorized and Nobles and all Judges of righteousness.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
15By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; 16By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. 17I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.…

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.

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.

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.

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— ...

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.

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.

Isaiah 32:1
Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.

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.”

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Acts 17:26
From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

Job 12:18
He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.


Treasury of Scripture

By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

I love

1 Samuel 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Psalm 91:14
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

John 14:21,23
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…

those

Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

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Authority Chiefs Earth Govern Judge Judges Judging Noble Nobles Ones Princes Righteous Righteousness Rightly Rule Rulers
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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
This phrase refers to wisdom personified, which is a central theme in Proverbs. Wisdom is depicted as a divine attribute that guides and sustains the order of creation. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a moral and spiritual quality that aligns with God's character. This aligns with the idea that true wisdom comes from God and is foundational for righteous living, as seen in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom.

princes rule
The term "princes" refers to leaders or rulers, indicating those in positions of authority. In ancient Israel, as well as in surrounding cultures, rulers were expected to govern with wisdom and justice. The biblical narrative often highlights the importance of wise leadership, as seen in the reign of King Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom (1 Kings 3:28). This phrase underscores the belief that legitimate authority is established and maintained through divine wisdom.

and all nobles
"Nobles" refers to individuals of high social status or those who hold significant power and influence. In the historical context of the ancient Near East, nobles often played crucial roles in governance and decision-making. The Bible frequently addresses the responsibilities of those in power, emphasizing that their authority should be exercised in accordance with God's principles, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4, which calls for justice and defense of the weak.

who govern justly
The concept of justice is central to biblical teaching and is a key attribute of God's character. Governing justly implies ruling with fairness, integrity, and righteousness. This aligns with the biblical mandate for leaders to uphold justice and righteousness, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate just rule of Jesus Christ, who is prophesied to reign with perfect justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wisdom
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified and speaks as a character who was present at the creation of the world. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that guides and influences leaders.

2. Princes
These are rulers or leaders who hold authority over a region or people. In the context of this verse, they are those who govern with the guidance of wisdom.

3. Nobles
These are individuals of high rank or birth who have responsibilities in governance. The verse emphasizes their need to govern justly, implying a moral and ethical standard.

4. Governance
The act of ruling or managing a community or nation. This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in effective and just governance.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Leadership
True leadership is rooted in divine wisdom. Leaders should seek wisdom from God to govern effectively and justly.

The Role of Justice in Governance
Justice is a key component of governance. Leaders are called to rule with fairness and integrity, reflecting God's character.

The Influence of Wisdom on Authority
Wisdom influences not only decisions but also the character of those in authority. It shapes how leaders interact with those they govern.

The Responsibility of Leaders
Leaders have a responsibility to seek wisdom actively. This involves prayer, study of Scripture, and a commitment to ethical standards.

The Impact of Godly Leadership
When leaders govern with wisdom and justice, it leads to peace and prosperity for the community. Godly leadership has a transformative impact on society.(16) All the judges of the earth.--By the aid of heavenly wisdom only can they give right and just judgments, and so fulfil the high office delegated to them by God Himself, from the possession of which they are themselves termed "gods" (Exodus 22:28; Psalm 82:1). For the same reason kings, as ruling by His authority, have the same title accorded to them (Psalm 45:6).

Verse 16. - Princes; here sarim, "leaders." All the judges of the earth. These words stand without a conjunction, in apposition to what has preceded, by what is called asyndeton summativum (Proverbs 1:21), and gather in one view kings, princes, and leaders. Thus the Book of Wisdom, which speaks of the duties of rulers, commences by addressing of κρίνοντες τὴν γῆν, "ye that are judges of the earth." In the East judgment of causes was an integral part of a monarch's duties. The reading of the Authorized Version is supported by the Septuagint, which gives κρατοῦσι γῆς. The Vulgate, Syriac, and Chaldee road, צדק, "justice," in place of ארצ, "earth;" but this seems to have been an alteration of the original text derived from some idea of the assertion there made being too comprehensive or universal. Nowack compares Psalm 2:10 and Psalms 148:11, "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth." The Fathers have taken these verses as spoken by God, and as asserting his supremacy and the providential ordering of human government, according to St. Paul's saying, "There is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1; see St. Augustine, 'De Civit. Dei,' 5:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

princes
שָׂרִ֣ים (śā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

rule,
יָשֹׂ֑רוּ (yā·śō·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8323: To be or act as prince, rule

and all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

nobles
וּ֝נְדִיבִ֗ים (ū·nə·ḏî·ḇîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5081: Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee

who govern
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי (šō·p̄ə·ṭê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

justly.
צֶֽדֶק׃ (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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