Proverbs 28:2 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: Due to a wrongdoing of a land its leaders are many, But by a person of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

CSB: When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

NLT: When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

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.

NKJV: Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.

Cultural sin and volatile leadership are intertwined. One often leads to the other. A nation which rebels against God by participating in sin (Romans 1:18–20; Proverbs 14:34) may find itself cycling through many kings, rulers, or governors. Likewise, a nation with wildly inconsistent leadership is prone to chaos and rebellion. People searching for an answer to chaos often turn to electing an increasing number of petty rulers who become tyrants. The contrast to this is wise, stable, godly leadership—this leads a nation towards stability and security.

The Old Testament records the tumult of Israel's history after the reigns of David and Solomon. In a relatively short period of time, numerous kings and families of kings ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This turnover was especially pronounced in the northern kingdom, which was overrun by the Assyrians a century earlier than the southern kingdom.

Knowing that good leaders in government contribute to peace, Paul urged Timothy to lead believers to pray for earthly leaders of all kinds, "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.