Darby Bible
Proverbs 28:2
2By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.
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 man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion. By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged. 3A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
Read all of Proverbs 28Proverbs 28:2 word by word
בְּפֶ֣שַֽׁע אֶ֭רֶץ רַבִּ֣ים שָׂרֶ֑יהָ וּבְאָדָ֥ם מֵבִ֥ין יֹ֝דֵ֗עַ כֵּ֣ן יַאֲרִֽיךְ׃Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Proverbs 28:2
- 1 Kings 15:25And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah; and he reigned over Israel two years.
- 1 Kings 16:8In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah for two years.
- 2 Kings 15:8In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria, six months.
- 2 Chronicles 36:1And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead, in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 3:1For behold, the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, will take away from Jerusalem and from Judah stay and staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,
- Hosea 13:11I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
- Genesis 45:5And now, be not grieved, and be not angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
- 2 Chronicles 32:20And because of this, king Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz prayed and cried to heaven.
- Job 22:28And thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee; and light shall shine upon thy ways.
- Ecclesiastes 9:15and there was found in it a poor wise man, who by his wisdom delivered the city; but no man remembered that poor man.
- Isaiah 58:12And they [that come] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations [that have remained] from generation to generation; and thou shalt be called, Repairer of the breaches, restorer of frequented paths.
- Daniel 4:27Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
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
In the dictionaries
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
Darby Bible — 1889 — Public Domain
Commentaries