Proverbs 16:12 (BSB)

Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.

From Proverbs 16. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 16:12

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 16:12: Here is, 1. The character of a good king, which Solomon intended not for his own praise, but for instruction to his successors, his neighbours, and the viceroys under him. A good king not only does justice, but it is an abomination to him to do otherwise.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 16:12: It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness,.... 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 16:12: Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 16:12: [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. (g) They are appointed by God to rule according to equity and justice.