“It is an abomination to kings to do evil”: For “abomination” see the comments on 3.32. The wording of this line in Revised Standard Version is ambiguous since it may be read either as evil done by others or as evil done by kings. Most take it that evil done by anyone is an abomination to kings. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “Kings reprove evil actions.” We may also say, for example, “Kings hate people who do bad things.” See Good News Translation.

“For the throne is established by righteousness”: The connector “for” introduces this line as the reason why kings must hate evildoing. “The throne” is the seat of the king and the symbol of royal authority. “Established” renders the same word as used in 12.3. Here it has the sense of “fixed,” “founded,” “determined.” “Righteousness” refers to right conduct, proper behavior or honesty in dealings. Upholding good conduct is the basis upon which a stable kingdom is built. In Psa 89.14 (Hebrew verse 15) the same expression is used in regard to the Lord‘s throne. We may translate this saying, for example, “When people do evil, kings condemn them because the rule of a king depends on people doing the right thing.” One African translation has “Doing evil is detestable to a king because doing right is what makes a government strong.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .