Topical Bible: Kings: when Good: Love Righteous Lips

◄ Kings: when Good: Love Righteous Lips ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, kings hold a significant role as leaders appointed by God to govern His people. The concept of a king who loves righteous lips is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Proverbs, which emphasize the value of truth, wisdom, and righteousness in leadership.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of a king who loves righteous lips is encapsulated in Proverbs 16:13 : "Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved." This verse highlights the importance of truthfulness and integrity in the counsel and communication that a king receives. A king who values righteous lips is one who seeks and cherishes advisors and subjects who speak truthfully and uphold justice.

Characteristics of a Righteous King

1. Wisdom and Discernment: A king who loves righteous lips is characterized by his wisdom and ability to discern truth from falsehood. Proverbs 25:5 states, "Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness." This underscores the necessity for a king to surround himself with righteous individuals who speak truthfully.

2. Justice and Equity: Such a king is committed to justice and equity, ensuring that his reign is marked by fairness and righteousness. Proverbs 29:14 declares, "A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever." This reflects the biblical principle that a just ruler is one who listens to righteous counsel and acts accordingly.

3. Love for Truth: A king who loves righteous lips has a profound love for truth and honesty. This love for truth is not merely a personal preference but a divine mandate, as seen in Psalm 101:7 : "No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence."

Examples of Righteous Kings

1. King David: Known as a man after God’s own heart, David exemplified a king who valued righteous lips. Despite his personal failings, David sought the counsel of prophets like Nathan, who spoke truthfully to him, even when it was difficult (2 Samuel 12:1-14).

2. King Solomon: Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon's reign began with a deep desire for understanding and discernment. His request for wisdom to govern God’s people (1 Kings 3:9) reflects his appreciation for righteous lips and truthful counsel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the love for righteous lips in a king is a reflection of God’s own nature. God, as the ultimate King, embodies truth and righteousness. Therefore, earthly kings who love righteous lips mirror the divine standard of leadership. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is described as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

In summary, the biblical portrayal of kings who love righteous lips serves as a model for godly leadership. It emphasizes the importance of truth, justice, and integrity, not only for kings but for all who are in positions of authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... And the Apostle said:"That which God hath prepared for them that love Him ... also
concerning this I have showed thee, that even as kings have good gifts to ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

Appendix.
... Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn ye that be ... unto all she is a
counsellor of good things, since ... for the very beginning of her is love and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

The Mystery of the Cross. A Good Friday Sermon.
... the Lord was actually and practically King of kings and Lord ... St Paul, that if men
can be so good, God must ... God, and say with St John, "Herein is love, not that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon i the mystery of.htm

The Love of Christ.
... man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some ... human tongue can teach or
tell the Love that brought ... in His own blood and hath made us Kings and priests ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the love of christ.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... and the dogs licked her blood.' 2 Kings 9:33 ... Love is that which cements Christians
together; it is the ... you are slandered, or falsely accused, make a good use of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... to goodness, or to righteous judgment: they watch not for good, but for ... from whom
meekness and patience are far off, who love vain things ... [3346] 1 Kings 18:21. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Book ii.
... of the present, that we may not sin any more while the love of God ... Asa, though a
good man, was faulty ... 2 Kings xx.1, 5. Hezekiah wept when death was at hand, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... to us in order that we may be pure and good men and ... God makes of the character of
them that love Him ... He 'makes us kings and priests.' Is He anointed the Messiah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

Commandments to Men.
... thou wilt not act as becomes a good man: for ... continued with them from Him; but those
kings which went ... the morning; come, let us solace ourselves with love," etc ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii commandments to men.htm

The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
... were moved out of their places; and the kings of the ... Yes, it is good that we should
all remember this. ... spite or cruelty, but simply because he is perfect love. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xi the god of.htm