Proverbs 28 16

Proverbs 28:16 kjv

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:16 nkjv

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:16 niv

A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

Proverbs 28:16 esv

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:16 nlt

A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 16 Meaning

Proverbs 28:16 presents a stark contrast between two types of rulers and the outcomes of their character. A leader who lacks genuine understanding and discernment will inevitably become a widespread oppressor, bringing hardship and injustice upon the people. Conversely, a ruler who despises unjust gain and corruption will experience a long and stable reign, reflecting divine approval and the prosperity of the land under his righteous rule. The verse underscores that the true measure of a leader's longevity and success is not power or wealth, but rather wisdom, moral integrity, and a commitment to justice.

Proverbs 28 16 Context

Proverbs chapter 28 frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, exploring their characteristics and consequences, particularly concerning wealth, justice, and governance. This verse falls within a section that emphasizes the importance of integrity, hard work, and seeking God's favor, while cautioning against injustice, pride, and greed. Within this broader context, verse 16 specifically addresses leadership, asserting that a leader's wisdom and moral stance profoundly affect the well-being and stability of the entire society. Historically, ancient Israel's monarchy was prone to periods of both righteous rule and oppressive regimes, making such warnings particularly relevant to the original audience, who would have understood the direct implications of a king's character on their daily lives and national fate.

Proverbs 28 16 Word analysis

• A ruler: From the Hebrew word נָגִיד (nagid). This term denotes a leader, prince, or one of elevated position, often used for a king or head of state. Its use emphasizes that the verse specifically speaks about those in positions of authority, whose decisions affect many.
• who lacks understanding: Hebrew חֲסַר תְּבוּנוֹת (chasar tevunot).
  • Chasar means "lacking" or "deficient."
  • Tevunot (plural of tevunah) refers to discernment, intelligence, spiritual insight, and practical wisdom. It's not just intellectual capacity, but the ability to apply knowledge justly and wisely, often in alignment with God's principles. A ruler deficient in this spiritual and moral discernment will naturally err in governance.
• is a great oppressor: Hebrew רַב מְעֻשָּׁק (rav me'ushaq).
  • Rav means "much" or "great," signifying the widespread and intense nature of the oppression.
  • Me'ushaq is a Pual participle, meaning "one who oppresses" or "is an oppressor," carrying the connotation of violent, exploitative, or unjust behavior, often targeting the vulnerable or extorting from the people. The lack of understanding leads directly to systemic injustice.
• but he who hates: Hebrew שֹׂנֵא (soneh). This is a strong verb, indicating a profound and active aversion or loathing, not just passive disapproval. It denotes a deliberate moral stand.
• covetousness: Hebrew בֶצַע (betsa). This specifically means dishonest gain, unjust profit, ill-gotten wealth, plunder, or exploitation. It refers to wealth acquired through corruption, violence, or exploitation, not merely wealth itself. A ruler who hates such dishonest means ensures justice.
• will prolong his days: Hebrew יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים (ya'arikh yamim). This idiom signifies a long life, stable reign, or continued prosperity. In the context of a ruler, it means his rule will be enduring and secure, implying divine blessing, public trust, and a stable kingdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor": This clause directly links a ruler's intellectual and moral deficiency to the devastating practical consequence of widespread oppression. It is a cause-and-effect statement highlighting how internal character defects in leadership manifest in external societal harm. The 'greatness' of the oppression emphasizes its pervasive and severe impact.
• "but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days": This is a contrasting and parallel statement. It connects a leader's moral integrity – specifically their active rejection of unjust financial gain – to a blessed outcome: a long, stable, and prosperous rule. This suggests that avoiding corruption and acting righteously not only benefits the ruler personally but also brings stability and favor upon their governance.

Proverbs 28 16 Bonus section

The "understanding" (תְּבוּנָה - tevunah) mentioned in this proverb is not mere worldly intelligence or shrewdness. In biblical wisdom literature, tevunah is often seen as discernment, particularly the ability to understand and apply God's ways and distinguish between right and wrong in complex situations. This divinely-informed understanding prevents a ruler from becoming oppressive. The prolonged days for the righteous ruler signifies not just a long lifespan but also a stable and secure dynasty, suggesting a kingdom's lasting peace and prosperity under such leadership. This aligns with the Mosaic covenant where obedience leads to long life in the land. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that true authority, both then and now, must be underpinned by wisdom and ethical behavior to genuinely serve and benefit society.

Proverbs 28 16 Commentary

Proverbs 28:16 articulates a fundamental principle regarding leadership: a ruler's inner character determines the nature and longevity of their rule. An understanding ruler possesses wisdom rooted in discernment, enabling just and equitable governance. Lacking this insight, a leader inevitably abuses power, leading to pervasive oppression and suffering among the populace. This oppression stems not only from malice but also from sheer shortsightedness and an inability to perceive the long-term consequences of unjust policies. Conversely, the proverb extols the ruler who vehemently opposes betsa, or illicit gain. Such a leader prioritizes integrity, justice, and the welfare of the people over personal enrichment. This moral uprightness is directly correlated with a prolonged and stable reign, indicating that divine favor, popular support, and national well-being are bestowed upon leaders who embody righteous principles and reject corruption. The verse offers a profound critique of leadership based on self-interest and a clear prescription for enduring, beneficial governance.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • A civil leader refusing a large bribe to pass a law favorable to a corporation but harmful to citizens, thus maintaining integrity and public trust.
  • A manager promoting employees based on merit rather than personal connections, ensuring a fair and productive work environment.
  • A king focusing on justice for the poor rather than acquiring more territory through conquest, thereby securing peace and loyalty within his borders.