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Proverbs 16:13 · World English Bible

Proverbs 16:13 Meaning Righteous Lips Are the Delight of Kings

Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.

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What does Proverbs 16:13 mean?

The part of the mind that has taken its true authority delights in what is spoken from love, because such words carry no accusation, and a mind at peace recognizes its own peace echoed back. When one voice speaks without attack, the ruling mind is not flattered but relieved, for nothing in it needs defending.

From the Christian Psychology reading below.

Proverbs 16:13 through 1 lens

The same verse, read by one tradition.

CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY

Christian Psychology

The part of the mind that has taken its true authority delights in what is spoken from love, because such words carry no accusation, and a mind at peace recognizes its own peace echoed back. When one voice speaks without attack, the ruling mind is not flattered but relieved, for nothing in it needs defending. This is how the awakened mind chooses its counsel: it is drawn to whatever confirms innocence and turns from whatever would teach it to fear.

What is loved here is not clever speech but honest speech, the kind that sees the other as guiltless and says so. A mind learns which teacher it keeps by watching what it welcomes. When it welcomes gentleness, it has already chosen love as its king.

Kings: the part of the mind that has claimed its rightful authority, the decision-maker that rules over what it will believe and whom it will trust.

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Christian Psychology lens

Live Proverbs 16:13 today

  1. Look at what you let into your ears today, the podcasts, the feed, the voices. More of it than you think is teaching you to be afraid of people.
  2. Thank the friend who tells you the truth kindly. Say out loud that you want more of that from them, not less.
  3. When a group chat turns into a pile-on, be the one who says the fair thing about the person who is not there. It changes the whole room.

Whose voice do I keep closest, and what does it teach me to believe about other people?

The same truth in other traditions

Taoism · Zhuangzi

He wrote of the value of the true friend who tells you plainly, without flattery and without wanting something. Honest words are the rarer gift.

Judaism · Pirkei Avot

Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend, and judge every person favorably. Who you keep near shapes what you come to believe.

Sufism · Rumi

He said to be with those who help your being, who make you more yourself rather than less. The company you welcome becomes the voice in your head.

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