stephen R Harrison

Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. -Proverbs 16:10

There’s always been something grand about “living like a king.” When you first hear that, you (like me) probably think about riches and possessions. I’ve never met a king. I’d rather meet “Sir Charles” than “King James” any day (IYKYK). I did meet the governor of Arkansas a couple of times. He was a pastor in my hometown, but I never met him during that time. When he was Lt. Governor, he came to preach at my church when I was in high school. I told him I wanted to be a pastor the first time I met him. Several years later, when I talked to him again, he remembered me. I even had the opportunity to assist his office in a couple of initiatives in marriage and foster care in Arkansas. I had tremendous respect for this man because of his character. 

In Proverbs 16:10-15, Solomon offers six “ways of life” or attributes for the king. Perhaps Solomon is thinking about his dad, King David, as he wrote these. He may be thinking about how he wants to lead with integrity. He most definitely refers to how all kings should lead in cooperation with God. Men, we can take note of these kingly qualities and apply them to every area of our lives. These qualities aren’t just for kings but for every person who wants to live like Christ. Most of the Proverbs are stand-alone verses of wisdom. Occasionally, you encounter a group of verses in the Proverbs that teach wisdom as a unit. We find at least six qualities of Kingdom men in the six verses of Proverbs 16:10-15. 

First, in Proverbs 16:10, the king’s words are like an oracle – they have weight. His judgments should be just as he has authority that can abuse or bless. For the king to have an upright reputation, he must not abuse his authority with his words. Kingdom men, we must use our words carefully to bless, serve, and love. 

Second, in verse 11, the king’s power is illustrated. He controls the weights and balances the scale. If they are unfair, it is because he deliberately cheated or was careless in his measurements. Men, we must not abuse our position, whether it is as husband, father, or boss. If we constantly manipulate the weights in our favor, we will lose the trust of those entrusted by the Lord to lead. Kingdom men lead with humility, selflessness, and compassion. 

Third, in verse 12, the king realizes his position comes from the Lord and must rightly reflect his nature. The king is the most visible person in the kingdom and should be a model for everyone he leads. He leads with righteousness. When people are wronged, he is vocal about it. Kingdom men do not abuse others or permit abuse to exist around them. Their actions are moral and pure.

Fourth, in verse 13, the king is honest. In fact, he loves the truth. It gives him great joy to tell and uphold the truth in his kingdom. He is quick to reward those who do the same. Kingdom men delight in the truth because Jesus, the King of kings, does not lie from his throne. When kings lie, those in their kingdom are at risk. His words of truth help those he leads to trust him.

Fifth, in verse 14, a king is not out of control. When he allows wrath to dominate, people get hurt. He knows his actions affect more than just himself. Kingdom men exhibit self control in all areas of life because they want others to prosper and be secure. They protect those around them because people can trust their actions. They are not unpredictable. Kingdom men are going to act like Jesus.

Last, in verse 15, a king brings joy and blessing to those he leads. He knows his interactions with those around him can bless or crush them. He is careful to allow the joy of the Lord to be his strength. When Kingdom men live to bless others, they do so like spring rain. It’s refreshing and life-giving. 

Questions to Ponder

1. Which of these Kingdom men qualities are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
2. How have others been blessed when you have operated with these qualities?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Pick one of the qualities and do your best to operate in it tomorrow intentionally.
2. As you read Proverbs 16, what other qualities of Kingdom men do you see?

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 1:2, 10:9, 11:13, 12:1, 25:28

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, help me be a Kingdom man. I want to use my influence, position, and power in a humble, selfless, and kind way. I desire to be loving as you are love. Help control me by the power of your Spirit. I want to be a man of honesty and integrity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.