Proverbs 29:4

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Cross-reference

Proverbs 29:14 reinforces the first half: a king who judges the poor fairly will have a stable throne—justice brings stability.

Proverbs 16:12 states kings detest wrongdoing because righteousness establishes the throne, echoing the king's justice bringing stability.

Proverbs 20:8 echoes the same principle: a king on the throne of judgment scatters evil, reinforcing the link between righteous rule and stability.

Proverbs 15:27 warns that greed for unjust gain troubles a household, echoing the proverb's warning against bribery that overthrows the land.

2 Samuel 8:15 Historical context

2 Samuel 8:15 portrays David ruling with judgment and justice — a perfect model of the king who establishes the land through righteous rule.

Psalm 89:14 Parallel

Psalm 89:14 declares that God's throne is founded on justice and judgment — the same qualities that establish a king's rule on earth.

Psalm 99:4 Parallel

Psalm 99:4 says the King (God) loves judgment and establishes equity — reflecting the ideal that a just ruler brings stability.

Isaiah 9:7 Prophetic fulfillment

Isaiah 9:7 prophesies the Messiah's kingdom established with judgment and justice — the ultimate fulfillment of the proverb's ideal.

Jeremiah 22:13-17 contrasts Josiah's just rule with Jehoiakim's greedy oppression — a direct illustration of the proverb's two paths.

Micah 7:3 Parallel

In Micah 7:3, princes and judges ask for bribes, directly illustrating the corrupt leader who undermines justice.

1 Kings 2:46 concludes Solomon's establishment of the kingdom through justice, exemplifying the stable rule from the proverb's first line.

Jeremiah 22:15 cites King Josiah doing justice and righteousness, which led to well-being, directly illustrating the first part of the proverb.

Acts 24:26 Parallel

Acts 24:26 shows Felix hoping for a bribe from Paul, exemplifying the corrupt ruler who takes bribes and undermines justice.