Proverbs 16:13
Proverbs 16:13 in Multiple Translations
Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
Lips of righteousness are the delight of kings; and he who says what is upright is dear to him.
People who tell the truth please kings; they love those who say what is right.
Righteous lips are the delite of Kings, and the King loueth him that speaketh right things.
The delight of kings [are] righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Just lips are the delight of kings: he that speaketh right things shall be loved.
Kings are delighted to hear people say [MTY] what is true; they love those who say what is right/honest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְצ֣וֹן
מְ֭לָכִים
שִׂפְתֵי
צֶ֑דֶק
וְ/דֹבֵ֖ר
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
יֶאֱהָֽב
רְצ֣וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
מְ֭לָכִים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
וְ/דֹבֵ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Qal
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
יֶאֱהָֽב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:13
רְצ֣וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
מְ֭לָכִים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/דֹבֵ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Qal
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
יֶאֱהָֽב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:13
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:35 | A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful. |
| 2 | Psalms 101:5–7 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:11 | He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend. |
Proverbs 16:13 Summary
[This verse means that when we speak the truth and act with integrity, it brings joy to those in authority over us, whether that's a king, a parent, or a boss, as seen in Proverbs 16:13. When we speak honestly, it shows that we respect and value the other person, and that we are committed to doing what is right, even when it's hard. This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 10:32, which says that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. By speaking the truth in love, we can build strong relationships and earn the trust and respect of others, as taught in Ephesians 4:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a king to delight in righteous lips?
This means that a king, or anyone in a position of authority, is pleased when their advisors or subjects speak the truth and act with integrity, as seen in Proverbs 16:13 and supported by Proverbs 22:11, which says that a gracious word delights kings.
How can I speak honestly in a way that is beloved by those in authority?
To speak honestly and be beloved, we must speak the truth in love, as instructed in Ephesians 4:15, and be mindful of our tone and timing, as advised in Ecclesiastes 3:7, which reminds us that there is a time for everything, including speaking and being silent.
Is this verse only applicable to people in positions of authority?
No, the principle of Proverbs 16:13 applies to all relationships, as we are all called to speak the truth in love and act with integrity in our interactions with others, as taught in Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:25, which encourage us to put away falsehood and speak truthfully.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
As our heavenly King, God delights in our righteous lips and honest speech, as seen in Proverbs 16:13 and supported by Psalm 15:1-2, which describes the character of those who may dwell with God, including speaking truth from their hearts.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate righteous lips in my own life, speaking truth and honesty in all my interactions?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with being loving and gracious in my words, especially in difficult conversations?
- In what ways can I show respect and honor to those in authority over me, even when I disagree with them, while still speaking honestly and with integrity?
- What are some times when I have spoken honestly and seen positive results, and how can I build on those experiences to grow in this area?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings,.... Such that speak truth and righteousness, and advise to the administration of justice and judgment, and to do that which is most for their own true
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. Righteous lips (are) the delight of kings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
All wise and good kings do, and all kings should, delight in employing such counsellors, judges, and officers under them, as are just and faithful in their counsels, and sentences, and actions, because such bring great honour and advantage to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.Ver. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings,] i.e., Of good kings, such as David was, who loved Nathan never the worse, but the better, for dealing plainly with him, gave him free access to his bedchamber, and named him a commissioner for the declaring of his successor. King Edward VI took much delight in Latimer, that faithful preacher; and Queen Elizabeth inquired much after Dearing, after she had once heard him telling her in a sermon that once it was tanquam ovis, but now velar indomita iuvenca, &c. But Dearing was without her knowledge laid up fast enough by the bishops, and kept far enough from coming near the court any more. And they love him that speaketh right.] They should do so; but it happens somewhat otherwise ofttimes. Ahab hated Micaiah, and looked upon Elijah as a troubler of Israel. Alas! what had these righteous ones done? They taxed his sin, they foretold his judgment; they deserved it not, they inflicted it not, they were therefore "become his enemies, because they told him the truth." Truth breeds hatred, as the fair nymphs are feigned to do the ugly fawns and satyrs. Most princes are held by their parasites, who soothe them up in their sins, and smooth them up with fair words, which soak into them as oil doth into earthen vessels. David was none such; he went not attended, saith one, ut nunc fit, magno agmine aionum, negonum, ganeonum, palponum, gnathonum, balatronum, with a great sort of sycophants, courtparasites, flatterers, &c., but had the best he could pick to be next his person, and loved them that spoke right.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
13. Delight of kings — All these things are said of rulers, as rulers ought to be; that is, righteous, just.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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1 Corinthians 16:10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of correcting others with love and gentleness, emphasizing the need to approach reproof with care and compassion. He highlights the si |
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Christ Building His Church - Part 2 by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares an illustration about how some people have corrupt minds that always think evil thoughts. After the sermon, a millionaire approached the speaker |