Proverbs 28:2

Proverbs 28:2 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
• New International Version (NIV)When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
• English Standard Version (ESV)When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.

Context of Proverbs 28:2

1The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. 3A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. 4Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.

Proverbs 28:2 word by word

בְּפֶ֣שַֽׁע אֶ֭רֶץ רַבִּ֣ים שָׂרֶ֑יהָ וּבְאָדָ֥ם מֵבִ֥ין יֹ֝דֵ֗עַ כֵּ֣ן יַאֲרִֽיךְ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For the transgressionפֶּ֫שַׁעpesha‛ · transgressionH6588
• of a landאֶ֫רֶץ'erets · land: country/planetH776
• manyרַבrab · manyH7227
• the princesשַׂרώar · rulerH8269
• thereof: but by a manאָדָם'âdâm · manH120
• of understandingבִּיןbîyn · to understandH995
• knowledgeיָדַעyâda‛ · to knowH3045
• the stateכֵּןkên · rightH3651
• shall be prolongedאָרַךְ'ârak · to prolongH748

Cross-references for Proverbs 28:2

• 1 Kings 15:25Now Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel for two years.
• 1 Kings 16:8In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha became king over Israel in Tirzah, and reigned two years.
• 2 Kings 15:8In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam [II] became king over Israel in Samaria for six months.
• 2 Chronicles 36:1Then the people of the land took Joahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.
• Isaiah 3:1Listen carefully, the Lord God of hosts is removing from Jerusalem and from Judah Both supply and support, the whole supply of bread And the whole supply of water;
• Hosea 13:11I gave you a king in My anger, And I took him away in My wrath [as punishment].
• Genesis 45:5Now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to save life and preserve our family.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20But Hezekiah the king and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz prayed about this and cried out to heaven [for help].
• Job 22:28You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways.
• Ecclesiastes 9:15But there was found in it a poor wise man, and by his wisdom he rescued the city. Yet no man [seriously] remembered that poor man.
• Isaiah 58:12And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
• Daniel 4:27Therefore, O king, let my advice to you be [considered and found] acceptable; break away now from your sins and exhibit your repentance by doing what is right, and from your wickedness by showing mercy to the poor, so that [if you repent] there may possibly be a continuance of your prosperity and tranquility and a healing of your error.’

Commentaries on Proverbs 28:2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2Many are the princes - Nations, as nations, cannot be judged in a future world; therefore, God judges them here. And where the people are very wicked, and the constitution very bad, the succession of princes is frequent - they are generally taken off by an untimely death. Where the people know that the constitution is in their favor, they seldom disturb the prince, as they consider him the guardian of their privileges. But by a man of understanding…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 2Transgression - Better, rebellion. A revolt against a ruler leads to rapid changes of dynasty (the whole history of the kingdom of Israel was a proof of this), but “with men of understanding and knowledge thus shall he (the prince) continue.” True wisdom will lead people to maintain an existing order. The King James Version implies that political disorders may come as the punishment of any national sin. The state - Better, it (the land) shall surely…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2Verse 2 National sins disturb the public repose.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2Wise leaders rule with justice and effectiveness (Proverbs 8:15–16).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each. but by a man ... prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 28:2

• Rulers
• Statecraft

In the dictionaries

• Accept
• Cover
• Mercy
• Prosper
• Rise
• Hezekiah (2)
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 28

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings