Proverbs 20:28
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Original Language Analysis
בַּחֶ֣סֶד
Mercy
H2617
בַּחֶ֣סֶד
Mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
1 of 7
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וֶ֭אֱמֶת
and truth
H571
וֶ֭אֱמֶת
and truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
2 of 7
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
יִצְּרוּ
preserve
H5341
יִצְּרוּ
preserve
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
3 of 7
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.Proverbs 29:14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.Psalms 101:1I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Psalms 21:7For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
Historical Context
Israel's monarchy was conditional—kings who followed God's law prospered, while those who abandoned it faced judgment. The Davidic covenant promised an eternal throne fulfilled in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you exercise any authority you have—with mercy and truth, or with selfish harshness?
- In what ways does Christ perfectly embody the mercy and truth that preserve His eternal throne?
Analysis & Commentary
God's covenant love ('mercy and truth') preserves the king's person and authority. 'Mercy' (chesed) is God's steadfast covenant faithfulness; 'truth' (emet) is His reliability and faithfulness. Together they form the foundation of just rule. The king who governs according to these attributes—showing mercy to the vulnerable and upholding truth in justice—will have a secure throne. This connects political stability to moral character and divine blessing. Conversely, rulers who practice injustice invite instability and judgment. The principle applies beyond kings to all in authority: leadership endures through righteousness, not might. Ultimately, Christ's throne is established forever because He perfectly embodies mercy and truth.