Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

◄ Proverbs 28:2 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

English Standard Version
When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

New American Standard Bible
By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

King James Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

International Standard Version
When a land transgresses, it gains a succession of leaders, but with an understanding and knowledgeable man, its stability endures.

American Standard Version
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof'shall be prolonged.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For the sine of the land many are the princes thereof: and for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged.

Darby Bible Translation
By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and of knowledge, its stability is prolonged.

Young's Literal Translation
By the transgression of a land many are its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.

Cross References

1 Kings 16:8
In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

2 Kings 15:8
In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

28:1 Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted. 2. National sins disturb the public repose. 3. If needy persons get opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe than that of the more wealthy. 4. Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways. 5. If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more. 6. An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world. 7. Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them. 8. That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified. 9. The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately refuses to obey God's commands. 10. The success of ungodly men is their own misery. 11. Rich men are so flattered, that they think themselves superior to others. 12. There is glory in the land when the righteous have liberty. 13. It is folly to indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. 14. There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him. 15. A wicked ruler, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls a roaring lion, and a ranging bear. 16. Oppressors want understanding; they do not consult their own honour, ease, and safety. 17. The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

2. 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.