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

1A wicked person flees when no one is chasing him, but righteous people are as bold as lions. When a country is in revolt, it has many rulers, but only with a person who has understanding and knowledge will it last a long time. 3A poor person who oppresses poorer people is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 4Those who abandon ⌞God’s⌟ teachings praise wicked people, but those who follow ⌞God’s⌟ teachings oppose wicked people.

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, son of Jeroboam, began to rule Israel in Asa’s second year as king of Judah. He ruled for two years.
• 1 Kings 16:8Elah, son of Baasha, began to rule Israel in Asa’s twenty-sixth year as Judah’s king. He ruled in Tirzah for two years.
• 2 Kings 15:8In Azariah’s thirty-eighth year as king of Judah, Jeroboam’s son Zechariah was king of Israel in Samaria for six months.
• 2 Chronicles 36:1Then people of the land took Josiah’s son Jehoahaz and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.
• Isaiah 3:1See now, the Lord, the Lord of Armies, is going to take from Jerusalem and Judah every kind of support and their entire supply of food and water.
• Hosea 13:11I gave you a king when I was angry, and I took him away when I was furious.
• Genesis 45:5Now, don’t be sad or angry with yourselves that you sold me. God sent me ahead of you to save lives.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, prayed about this and called to heaven.
• Job 22:28When you promise to do something, you will succeed, and light will shine on your path.
• Ecclesiastes 9:15A poor, wise person was found in that town. He saved the town using his wisdom. But no one remembered that poor person.
• Isaiah 58:12Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the foundations of past generations. You will be called the Rebuilder of Broken Walls and the Restorer of Streets Where People Live.
• Daniel 4:27“That is why, Your Majesty, my best advice is that you stop sinning, and do what is right. Stop committing the same errors, and have pity on the poor. Maybe you can prolong 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