Proverbs 25:5
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
רָ֭שָׁע
the wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
לִפְנֵי
from before
H6440
לִפְנֵי
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְיִכּ֖וֹן
shall be established
H3559
וְיִכּ֖וֹן
shall be established
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Cross References
Proverbs 20:8A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.Proverbs 20:28Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.Isaiah 16:5And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.Isaiah 9:7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.Proverbs 29:14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.1 Kings 2:46So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.1 Kings 2:33Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.Esther 7:10So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.
Historical Context
Israel's kings were often led astray by wicked advisors (1 Kings 12:8-14, 2 Chronicles 22:3-4). Righteous kings like Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah surrounded themselves with godly counselors, strengthening their reigns.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are your counselors, and do they promote righteousness or tolerate wickedness?
- If you're in leadership, how do you ensure you're surrounded by people who speak truth?
- What does removing 'wicked counselors' from your life look like in practical terms?
Analysis & Commentary
Removing the wicked from the king's presence establishes his throne in righteousness. This applies the metallurgical metaphor politically: just as dross must be removed from silver, so wicked counselors must be removed from government. A king surrounded by righteous advisors will reign righteously; wicked counselors corrupt even good kings. Reformed political theology emphasizes that godly governance requires godly counselors. This principle applies to all institutions—surrounding yourself with righteous people promotes righteousness; tolerating wickedness corrupts.