A Wise King
2 Samuel 19:18-23
And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good…


Alphonsus, King of Naples and Sicily, justly celebrated in history for his leninecy and mercy, was once asked why he was so lenient to all, even the most wicked men. "Because," said he, "good men are won by justice, the bad by mercy." On another occasion some complained that he was too kind, even for a prince. "What, then?" cried the king; "would you have lions and tigers to reign over you? Do you not know that cruelty is the property of wild beasts, mercy that of man?"



Parallel Verses
KJV: And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

WEB: A ferry boat went to bring over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.




The Pardon of Shimei
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