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, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. 3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

Proverbs 28:2 word by word

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

• A landאֶ֫רֶץ'erets · land: country/planetH776
• in rebellionפֶּ֫שַׁעpesha‛ · transgressionH6588
• has manyרַבrab · manyH7227
• rulersשַׂרώar · rulerH8269
• but a manאָדָם'âdâm · manH120
• of understandingבִּיןbîyn · to understandH995
• knowledgeיָדַעyâda‛ · to knowH3045
• maintains orderכֵּןkên · rightH3651
• maintains orderאָרַךְ'ârak · to prolongH748

Cross-references for Proverbs 28:2

• 1 Kings 15:25In the second year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Nadab son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned two years.
• 1 Kings 16:8In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.
• 2 Kings 15:8In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months.
• 2 Chronicles 36:1Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.
• Isaiah 3:1For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water,
• Hosea 13:11So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away.
• Genesis 45:5And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,
• Job 22:28Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways.
• Ecclesiastes 9:15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
• Isaiah 58:12Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.
• Daniel 4:27Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”

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