Here is given a fresh cluster of apothegms, in which we start with Jehovah as the sole power of directing the Israelite's steps, and of maintaining equity in daily life. But there is next withal a striking enforcement of the honor due to the king.
“The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.
An oracle is on the lips of the king; his mouth will not err in judgment.
The just balance and scales [are] of Jehovah; all the weights of the bag [are] his work.
[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh aright.
The fury of a king [is as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king's countenance [is] life, and his favor [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.” (9-15).
The heart of man away from God is lawless; and, shaking off the restraint of Him to whom he belongs and must give account, is fruitful of devices. As he loves his own way, so he changes it according to the object before him, or, it may be, some passing fancy. Jehovah alone can direct his steps: but this supposes dependence on Him and obedience of His word, when it is His way, and not the man's own. So Moses (Ex. 33:1313Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (Exodus 33:13)), when Israel forsook Him and bowed down to the golden calf, prays, Show me thy way.
Jehovah would have His people honor the king, especially in Israel; and to look for a wise and righteous decision. “An oracle is on the lips of a king.” It was no less a remembrancer to the king, that it should be said of him, his mouth will not err in judgment. How often alas! both king and people failed utterly. But a morning comes without clouds, When One of that very house shall rule over men righteously and in the fear of God; for man He is, though infinitely more. But David's house was not so with God, either when he lived, or after his death when succeeded even by the favored son who wrote these words. Judgment must act as well as sovereign grace, before Jehovah will make it grow. All honor to Him Who once for all suffered for sins, and has given us life eternal, and will reign righteously.
Properly subjoined is that equity in the least things which Jehovah will have. “The just balance and scales are of Jehovah; all the weights of the bag are His work.” If Jehovah showed His interest in instructing man aright, when it was even the details of the fitches and the cumin, of the barley and the wheat, and not in the sowing only but in their due treatment at the harvest, so did He feel for the constant administration of every day's exchange among men, to ensure right and guard against wrong. How much more does He feel their readiness to overlook sin and judgment for eternity?
Again would he set before all that to commit wickedness is an abomination not to Himself only but to kings. What a standing rebuke if the throne were not established by righteousness! What an exposure if the king indulged in wickedness himself, instead of abhorring it in others! It is throughout here assumed that the king recognizes his place before Jehovah as His anointed.
Further we hear that kings take pleasure in those who in their speech vindicate what is right. “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.” Flattery is natural at court, but contemptible to him that rules in the fear of God. Righteous lips may not always speak agreeably; but righteous kings appreciate the man who cleaves to justice and sound principle.
Just as terrible is the wrath of a king. He holdeth not the sword in vain. That he is incensed “as messengers of death,” especially to such as have reason to fear. “But a wise man will pacify it. So we see in both Jonathan and David, who appealed not in vain to the monarch even though unjust in his anger.
On the other hand no less powerful is the effect of the king's favor after alienation. “In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favor is as the cloud of the latter rain.” But what is any such privilege to compare with the place of stable nearness and grace which the believer even now enjoys through the Savior and looks on in assured hope of His glory! “Being therefore justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had the access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1, 21Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1‑2)).