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.
• 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.
• New Living Translation (NLT)When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

Context of Proverbs 28:2

1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. 3A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against 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 15:25Nadab 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, and he reigned 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 36:1The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father's place in Jerusalem.
• Isaiah 3:1For behold, the Lord God of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support of bread, and all support of water;
• Hosea 13:11I gave you a king in my anger, and I took him away in my wrath.
• Genesis 45:5And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven.
• Job 22:28You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.
• Ecclesiastes 9:15But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
• Isaiah 58:12And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
• Daniel 4:27Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening 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