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 is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a man of discernment and knowledge maintains order. 3A poor man who oppresses the weak is like pounding rain without food. 4Those who forsake Torah praise the wicked, but those who keep Torah stir them up.

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 reign over Israel in the second year of King Asa of Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years.
• 1 Kings 16:8In the twenty-sixth year of King Asa of Judah, Elah son of Baasa became king over Israel in Tirzah, and reigned two years.
• 2 Kings 15:8In the thirty-eighth year of King Azariah of Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria for six months.
• 2 Chronicles 36:1Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in Jerusalem in his father’s place.
• Isaiah 3:1For behold! The Lord, Adonai-Tzva’ot, takes from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, every supply of bread and every supply of water,
• Hosea 13:11I give you a king in My anger, and take him away in My wrath.
• Genesis 45:5“So now, don’t be grieved and don’t be angry in your own eyes that you sold me here—since it was for preserving life that God sent me here before you.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz prayed about this and cried out to heaven.
• Job 22:28What you decide will be done, and light will shine on your ways.
• Ecclesiastes 9:15Now a poor, wise man was found in it, and he delivered the city by his shrewdness. Yet nobody remembered that poor man!
• Isaiah 58:12Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins, will raise up the age-old foundations, will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets for Dwelling.
• Daniel 4:27the king exclaimed, “Is this not the great Babylon that I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

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