Verse 4

A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down.

Referenced Verses

  • Prov 29:14 : 14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
  • Isa 9:7 : 7 His dominion will be vast and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.
  • Isa 49:8 : 8 This is what the LORD says:“At the time I decide to show my favor, I will respond to you; in the day of deliverance I will help you; I will protect you and make you a covenant mediator for people, to rebuild the land and to reassign the desolate property.
  • Jer 22:13-17 : 13 Judgment on Jehoiakim“‘Sure to be judged is the king who builds his palace using injustice and treats people unfairly while adding its upper rooms. He makes his countrymen work for him for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor. 14 He says,“I will build myself a large palace with spacious upper rooms.” He cuts windows in its walls, panels it with cedar, and paints its rooms red. 15 Does it make you any more of a king that you outstrip everyone else in building with cedar? Just think about your father. He was content that he had food and drink. He did what was just and right. So things went well with him. 16 He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. So things went well for Judah.’ The LORD says,‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.’ 17 But you are always thinking and looking for ways to increase your wealth by dishonest means. Your eyes and your heart are set on killing some innocent person and committing fraud and oppression.
  • Dan 11:20 : 20 There will arise after him one who will send out an exactor of tribute to enhance the splendor of the kingdom, but after a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or battle.
  • Mic 7:3 : 3 They are experts at doing evil; government officials and judges take bribes, prominent men announce what they wish and then they plan it out.
  • 1 Sam 13:13 : 13 Then Samuel said to Saul,“You have made a foolish choice! You have not obeyed the commandment that the LORD your God gave you. Had you done that, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever!
  • 2 Sam 8:15 : 15 David reigned over all Israel; he guaranteed justice for all his people.
  • 1 Kgs 2:12 : 12 Solomon Secures the Throne Solomon sat on his father David’s throne, and his royal authority was firmly solidified.
  • 2 Kgs 15:18-20 : 18 He did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not repudiate the sinful ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat who encouraged Israel to sin. During his reign, 19 Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem paid him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and to solidify his control of the kingdom. 20 Menahem got this silver by taxing all the wealthy men in Israel; he took fifty shekels of silver from each one of them and paid it to the king of Assyria. Then the king of Assyria left; he did not stay there in the land.
  • 2 Chr 9:8 : 8 May the LORD your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on his throne as the one ruling on his behalf! Because of your God’s love for Israel and his lasting commitment to them, he made you king over them so you could make just and right decisions.”
  • Ps 89:14 : 14 Equity and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loyal love and faithfulness characterize your rule.
  • Ps 99:4 : 4 The king is strong; he loves justice. You ensure that legal decisions will be made fairly; you promote justice and equity in Jacob.
  • Prov 8:15 : 15 By me kings reign, and by me potentates decree righteousness;
  • Prov 16:12 : 12 Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness.
  • Prov 20:8 : 8 A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes.