As in verse 12, this saying is again cause followed by effect. The sense is the same as that expressed in verse 4.

“If a king judges the poor with equity”: “Judges” here does not mean to condemn as guilty but rather to administer or decide cases. “With equity” means fairly, justly, or impartially.

“His throne will be established for ever”: For “his throne will be established”, see the comments on 16.12b. In this context “for ever” means during the (long) lifetime of the king. So we may render it as “always” (New International Version), “for a long time” (Good News Translation), or “a long reign” (New Living Translation).

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 .