Proverbs 8:16

Pro 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.

Ver. 16. And nobles.] So called in the original, from their liberality and bounty. Hence {Luk 22:25} this word is expressed by Eυεργεται, Bountiful, or benefactors, such as are ingenuous, free, munificent, endued with that free princely spirit. {Psa 51:14}

Even all the judges of the earth.] Though haply they be reckoned in the rank of bad men, but good princes; such as was Galba, and our Richard III, and Trajan, much magnified for a good emperor, and yet a drunkard and a cruel persecutor. {a}

{a} Plin. Secund. Dion. Cass.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

(16) All the judges of the earth.—By the aid of heavenly wisdom only can they give right and just judgments, and so fulfil the high office delegated to them by God Himself, from the possession of which they are themselves termed “gods” (Exo_22:28; Psa_82:1). For the same reason kings, as ruling by His authority, have the same title accorded to them (Psa_45:6).

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

16. princes] “or rulers,” R.V. marg. The Heb. word is not the same as in Pro_8:15. The variety of words is used in order to bring all official positions within the domain of Wisdom.

of the earth] “Many ancient authorities read of righteousness,” R.V. marg. This reading, found also in Syr. Targ. Vulg. (Lange ad loc.), is due probably to the idea that the proposition was only true of just judges.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

By me princes rule,.... All governors of provinces and cities, who are under the king as supreme; the discharge of whose office in a right manner requires much wisdom, prudence, justice, and integrity; all which they have from Christ, as well as their power of ruling, that rule well;

and nobles, even all the judges of the earth; the word (e) for nobles signifies persons of a "free" spirit, generous, bountiful men; such as are called "benefactors", Luk 22:25; so one of the Ptolemys, king of Egypt, was called Evergetes. Such who govern, not in a cruel and rigorous manner, but with clemency and gentleness; who, as they are "free" and noble themselves, their subjects are a free people, and enjoy their privileges and liberties fully and quietly. And "the judges of the earth" are such, as sit on benches of justice, hear and try causes, and pass sentence on men; which requires great skill and knowledge, and much faithfulness and integrity, which all that perform their office aright have from Christ. How great therefore must he be! how wise and just! from whom all rulers, supreme and subordinate, have their power; prudence, generosity, and justice!

(e) "munifici sive liberales", Vatablus; "ingenui", Junius & Tremellius, Gejerus; "munifici", Piscator; "generosi", Schultens.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Princes; here sarim, "leaders." All the judges of the earth. These words stand without a conjunction, in apposition to what has preceded, by what is called asyndeton summativum, (Pro_1:21) and gather in one view kings, princes, and leaders. Thus the Book of Wisdom, which speaks of the duties of rulers, commences by addressing of krinontev th , "ye that are judges of the earth." In the East judgment of causes was an integral part of a monarch"s duties. The reading of the Authorized Version is supported by the Septuagint, which gives kratousi ghv . The Vulgate, Syriac, and Chaldee road, qdx, "justice," in place of xra, "earth;" but this seems to have been an alteration of the original text derived from some idea of the assertion there made being too comprehensive or universal. Nowack compares Psa_2:10 and Psa_148:11, "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth." The Fathers have taken these verses as spoken by God, and as asserting his supremacy and the providential ordering of human government, according to St. Paul"s saying, "There is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God". (Rom_13:1; see St. Augustine, "De Civit. Dei," 5:19)

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.