Proverbs 8:15-16

15, 16. By me princes rule, etc. The meaning is well given by Patrick: “Kings themselves sit not fast on their thrones, though placed there by God himself, unless they be ruled by me. In vain do their great captains and other ministers endeavour to defend them, but under the conduct and protection of my discipline.” The various terms here employed denote civil rulers of different degrees and kinds, supreme and subordinate. If rulers would rule well prosperously and permanently they must rule in accordance with the dictates of wisdom, which means not low cunning, political strategy, unprincipled management, party trickery, and official fraud; but high, honourable, and just aims and actions, in accordance with the principles of righteousness and truth. Comp. Job 12:13; Isaiah 32:1.