John Gill Commentary Proverbs 20:28

"Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness." — Proverbs 20:28 (ASV)

Mercy and truth preserve the king
Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice; these preserve him in the affections of his people, and make him safe and secure on his throne; and because of these the Lord preserves him from his enemies. It maybe rendered, "grace and truth" ^F12 ; and applied to Christ, who is full of both, and which are said to preserve him, (Psalms 40:11) ; and his throne is upholden by mercy ;
this explains what is meant by the preservation of him, and what is the security of his throne and kingdom, which is clemency and goodness to his subjects.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F12: (tmaw dox) "gratis et veritas", Cocceius.