Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. New Living Translation A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. English Standard Version A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. Berean Standard Bible A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. Berean Literal Bible A leader lacking in understanding is also abundant of oppressions; one hating dishonest gain prolongs days. King James Bible The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. New King James Version A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. New American Standard Bible A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But a person who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. NASB 1995 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. NASB 1977 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. Legacy Standard Bible A leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions, But he who hates greedy gain will prolong his days. Amplified Bible A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days. Berean Annotated Bible A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. Christian Standard Bible A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life. Holman Christian Standard Bible A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life. American Standard Version The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. Contemporary English Version A heartless leader is a fool, but anyone who refuses to get rich by cheating others will live a long time. English Revised Version The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. GOD'S WORD® Translation A leader without understanding taxes [his people] heavily, but those who hate unjust gain will live longer. Good News Translation A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time. International Standard Version A Commander-in-Chief who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding, but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer. NET Bible The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. New Heart English Bible A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days. Webster's Bible Translation The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. World English Bible A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA leader lacking understanding multiplies oppressions, "" Whoever is hating dishonest gain prolongs days. Berean Literal Bible A leader lacking in understanding is also abundant of oppressions; one hating dishonest gain prolongs days. Young's Literal Translation A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days. Smith's Literal Translation A prince wanting understanding and great in oppressions: he hating gain shall lengthen the days. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days. Catholic Public Domain Version A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days. New American Bible The less prudent the rulers, the more oppressive their deeds. Those who hate ill-gotten gain prolong their days. New Revised Standard Version A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor; but he who hates deceit shall prolong his life. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Many are the griefs of the Ruler lacking a mind and whoever hates deceit prolongs his days. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. Brenton Septuagint Translation A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Boldness of the Righteous…15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. 16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. 17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.… Cross References A leader who lacks judgment 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Deuteronomy 1:13 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” Proverbs 8:15-16 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. is also a great oppressor, Isaiah 3:14-15 The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. Micah 3:1-3 Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” Ecclesiastes 4:1 Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. but he who hates dishonest profit Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Isaiah 33:15 He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— will prolong his days Deuteronomy 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Proverbs 3:2 for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. Psalm 91:16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” Isaiah 3:12-15 Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. / The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. / The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. … Ezekiel 22:27-29 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. / Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. / The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice. Jeremiah 22:13-17 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. … Psalm 72:4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. Treasury of Scripture The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days. prince 1 Kings 12:10,14 And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins… Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. Ecclesiastes 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. he that Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Isaiah 33:15,16 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; … Jeremiah 22:15-17 Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? … Jump to Previous Covetousness Desire Enjoy Gain Great Hates Hateth Ill-Gotten Intelligence Judgment Lacks Life Multiplieth Oppressions Oppressor Prince Profit Prolong Ruler Sense Tyrannical Understanding Unjust Void WantethJump to Next Covetousness Desire Enjoy Gain Great Hates Hateth Ill-Gotten Intelligence Judgment Lacks Life Multiplieth Oppressions Oppressor Prince Profit Prolong Ruler Sense Tyrannical Understanding Unjust Void WantethProverbs 28 1. general observations of impiety and integrityA leader who lacks judgment A leader's role in biblical times was crucial, as they were responsible for guiding the people according to God's laws. Lacking judgment implies a deficiency in wisdom and discernment, qualities highly valued in leaders like Solomon, who asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). This phrase warns against leaders who fail to seek divine guidance, leading to poor decision-making. The Bible often contrasts wise and foolish leaders, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in governance (Proverbs 8:15-16). is also a great oppressor but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days Persons / Places / Events 1. LeaderRefers to anyone in a position of authority or governance, whether in a family, community, or nation. 2. Oppressor Someone who exercises authority in a harsh or unjust manner, often exploiting others for personal gain. 3. Dishonest Profit Ill-gotten gains acquired through deceitful or unethical means. 4. Prolonging Days A Hebrew idiom suggesting a long life, often associated with living righteously and in accordance with God's will. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are called to exercise wisdom and discernment. A lack of judgment can lead to oppression and injustice, harming those under their care. The Dangers of Dishonest Gain Pursuing dishonest profit not only harms others but also jeopardizes one's own integrity and relationship with God. True prosperity comes from righteousness, not deceit. The Blessing of Integrity Hating dishonest gain and choosing integrity leads to a life that is blessed and prolonged. This aligns with the biblical principle that righteousness leads to life. The Impact of Righteous Leadership Righteous leaders bring peace and prosperity to their communities. Their influence extends beyond their tenure, leaving a legacy of justice and righteousness. The Call to Personal Reflection Each believer is called to examine their own life for areas where they may be tempted by dishonest gain and to commit to living with integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:16?2. How can leaders avoid becoming "oppressive" as warned in Proverbs 28:16? 3. What does Proverbs 28:16 teach about the dangers of lacking understanding? 4. How does Proverbs 28:16 connect with Jesus' teachings on servant leadership? 5. In what ways can we cultivate "hatred of unjust gain" in our lives? 6. How can Proverbs 28:16 guide us in choosing leaders with understanding? 7. How does Proverbs 28:16 define the consequences of greed in leadership? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 28:16? 9. How does Proverbs 28:16 relate to modern political systems? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28? 11. Proverbs 21:1: How can a king's heart be completely directed by God if history is full of cruel rulers who appear to have acted against any divine morality? 12. How does 'whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit' (Proverbs 28:8) align with modern banking systems that seem beneficial yet charge interest? 13. Does Proverbs 31:10-31 conflict with other biblical passages, like 1 Timothy 2:11-12, that appear to limit women's roles? 14. How do First, Second, and Third Baptist Churches differ? What Does Proverbs 28:16 Mean A leader who lacks judgmentProverbs 28:16 opens by spotlighting a ruler whose decisions are shallow or self-centered. Scripture treats genuine wisdom as a gift from God that safeguards both leader and people (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6). When that wisdom is absent: • Chaos spreads—“A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order” (Proverbs 28:2). • People suffer from uninformed, rash choices—just as Rehoboam’s harsh answer split the kingdom (1 Kings 12:13-16). • God regards the vacuum of judgment as a moral failure, not merely an oversight (Hosea 4:6). Is also a great oppressor Without godly discernment, power morphs into tyranny. The verse literally ties lack of judgment to active oppression: • Oppressive rule squeezes resources, freedoms, and dignity from the vulnerable (Isaiah 10:1-2). • “When the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). • Corrupt policies enrich the few and exhaust the many, echoing Israel’s complaints under Pharaoh (Exodus 3:7-9). The point is plain: folly in high places quickly turns into systemic injustice. But he who hates dishonest profit The Spirit now contrasts the greedy tyrant with the leader who refuses illicit gain. • God told Moses to choose “men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain” (Exodus 18:21). • “Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). • Paul warns, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), underlining why hatred—not indifference—toward crooked profit is required. A heart that recoils from bribery, kickbacks, and exploitation is a heart aligned with God’s own justice. Will prolong his days Scripture often links righteousness with longevity: • “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27). • Keeping God’s commands “adds length of days and years of life and peace” (Proverbs 3:1-2). • Deuteronomy 5:33 promises long life in the land to those who walk in obedience. The principle is that integrity promotes stability—political, relational, even physical—while corruption shortens both reign and life through revolt, judgment, or personal ruin (see Proverbs 29:14; 28:17). summary Proverbs 28:16 offers a sharp, two-part picture. A leader devoid of sound judgment inevitably turns oppressive, harming society and hastening his own downfall. By contrast, the leader who actively despises dishonest gain enjoys God’s protective blessing and extended influence. The verse calls every person in authority—parent, employer, official—to prize wisdom, reject corruption, and walk in the fear of the Lord, confident that such faithfulness invites life and lasting impact. (16) A prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.--Thereby losing the love of his people, and at the same time impoverishing them; thus killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. He also by his misdeeds draws down upon himself God's anger in the shape of an early death. Comp. the woe pronounced upon Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:13, sqq.).Verse 16. - The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor; literally, and rich in oppression. Ewald, Delitzsch, Nowack, and others take the verse, not as a statement, but as a warning addressed to the ruler, as we have so many addressed to a son, and as the author of the Book of Wisdom calls upon the judges of the earth to listen to his admonitions. They therefore render thus: "O prince, void of understanding, but rich in oppression!" The wording and accentuation of the passage confirm this view. Caher renders, "A prince that wants understanding increases his exactions." The want of intelligence makes a prince cruel and tyrannical and callous to suffering: not possessing the wisdom and prudence necessary for right government, he defrauds his subjects, treats them unjustly, and causes great misery. See the prophet's denunciation of Shallum and Jehoiakim for these very crimes (Jeremiah 22:13-19). Septuagint, "A king wanting revenues is a great oppresser (συκοφάντης)." He that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days (Proverbs 15:27). The prince addressed is thus warned that his oppressive acts will be visited upon him judicially; that only a ruler who deals with his subjects liberally and equitably can attain to old age, and that his conduct will shorten his life. An early death is reckoned as a token of God's indignation. The second hemistich Caher translates, "But he who hates lucre shall reign long." Septuagint, "He who hateth iniquity shall live a long time." (For "covetousness" (betsa), see on Proverbs 1:19.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A leaderנָגִ֗יד (nā·ḡîḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5057: A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes who lacks חֲסַ֣ר (ḥă·sar) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of understanding תְּ֭בוּנוֹת (tə·ḇū·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice [is] also a great וְרַ֥ב (wə·raḇ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 7227: Much, many, great oppressor, מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת (ma·‘ă·šaq·qō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4642: Extortionate act but he who hates שֹׂ֥נֵא (śō·nê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 8130: To hate dishonest profit בֶ֝֗צַע (ḇe·ṣa‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1215: Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit will prolong יַאֲרִ֥יךְ (ya·’ă·rîḵ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 748: To be, long [his] days. יָמִֽים׃ (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day Links Proverbs 28:16 NIVProverbs 28:16 NLT Proverbs 28:16 ESV Proverbs 28:16 NASB Proverbs 28:16 KJV Proverbs 28:16 BibleApps.com Proverbs 28:16 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 28:16 Chinese Bible Proverbs 28:16 French Bible Proverbs 28:16 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment (Prov. 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