Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Bird's-eye view

This proverb lays out the foundational virtues for a stable and lasting civil order. It is a maxim for rulers, whether they be ancient kings or modern magistrates. The proverb divides neatly into two parallel statements. The first identifies the twin guardians of a king's person and office: lovingkindness and truth. The second identifies the central pillar that supports his reign: lovingkindness. This is not a sentimental platitude about being nice. This is a hard-headed statement about the nature of godly rule. A throne built on anything other than covenant faithfulness and objective truth is a throne built on sand. Ultimately, this proverb points us to the unshakable throne of Jesus Christ, the King who perfectly embodies these virtues.

Outline

Context In Proverbs

The book of Proverbs, particularly in this central section, frequently addresses itself to rulers and those in authority. The "sayings of the wise" are intensely practical, and they recognize that the character of a nation's leadership is of paramount importance. A wicked king is a scourge from God, while a righteous king is a source of stability and blessing. This particular proverb fits within a stream of thought that contrasts righteous rule with tyrannical rule. It does not present these virtues as optional extras for a ruler, but as the very things that determine whether his reign will last. It is a piece of political theology in miniature, grounding civil stability in the character of God Himself.

Key Issues

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

v. 28 Lovingkindness and truth will guard the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.

We must take this proverb piece by piece. First, the subject is the king, the civil magistrate, the one who wields the sword. This applies to anyone in a position of authority, from a monarch to a president to a governor.

"Lovingkindness and truth will guard the king..."

The first thing to note is what guards the king. It is not his secret service detail, not his standing army, and not his political maneuvering. Those things have their place, but they are downstream. The ultimate protection, the true Praetorian Guard for a ruler, is composed of two virtues: lovingkindness and truth. These are covenant terms. Lovingkindness is the Hebrew word hesed. This is not a squishy, sentimental kindness. It is rugged covenant loyalty. It is faithfulness, steadfast love, mercy that keeps its promises. It is the virtue of a man who can be counted on. Truth is the Hebrew word emet. This means firmness, reliability, faithfulness, truthfulness. It is the opposite of duplicity, falsehood, and spin.

So, a king is kept safe by his covenant loyalty to his people and by his unwavering commitment to the truth. Why? Because a ruler who is known for these things will be trusted. His people will not be inclined to rebellion. His enemies will find no purchase for their slanders. A kingdom where promises are kept and truth is spoken is a stable and secure kingdom. A kingdom built on lies and betrayals is a house of cards, and it is only a matter of time before a strong wind comes.

"And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness."

The second clause reinforces and specifies the first. The throne itself, the very institution of his rule, is propped up by this same virtue of hesed. Notice the active role of the king here. He "upholds" his throne. How? By the consistent application of covenantal mercy and faithfulness. He is not passive in this. He actively supports his own reign by being a certain kind of man.

This means he is merciful in his judgments. He is loyal to his allies. He keeps the promises he makes to his people. He does not rule arbitrarily or tyrannically. His exercise of power is shaped and constrained by his covenantal faithfulness. This is the polar opposite of the Machiavellian prince who believes cruelty and deceit are the necessary tools of statecraft. The Bible says that is the fast track to ruin. The way to a long and stable reign is the way of steadfast love.

Of course, no earthly king can do this perfectly. This proverb sets a standard that all human rulers fall short of. And in their failure, they point us to the one true King who perfectly embodies both hesed and emet. Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Grace is hesed in its ultimate expression. His throne is an everlasting throne, and the scepter of His kingdom is a scepter of uprightness. He guards His people with perfect lovingkindness and truth, and His throne is upheld by that same lovingkindness forever.

Application

The application of this proverb is straightforward, both for those who rule and for those who are ruled. For those in authority, the message is clear: character is not incidental to your job. It is the foundation of it. A leader who traffics in lies, who breaks his promises, who is disloyal and faithless, is sawing off the branch he is sitting on. His authority will not last. Lasting authority is built on a reputation for rugged faithfulness and unwavering truthfulness. If you are a father, a pastor, a manager, or a politician, your rule is preserved by hesed and emet.

For those of us who are citizens, this proverb gives us a standard by which to measure our leaders. We should not be impressed by bluster, or cunning, or power for its own sake. We should look for men and women of character, those who demonstrate covenant loyalty and a commitment to the truth. We should pray that God would grant us such rulers. And when we see rulers who despise these virtues, we should recognize that their thrones are unstable, and that God's judgment on such houses is not far off.

Ultimately, our hope is not in any earthly throne. Our hope is in the King whose throne is upheld by a perfect and eternal lovingkindness. We are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken, ruled by a King who will never be faithless. Because His throne is secure, we are secure. And we are called to reflect the character of our King in all our dealings, being people of lovingkindness and truth ourselves.