Proverbs 28:2 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.

Proverbs 28:2 nkjv

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

Proverbs 28:2 niv

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

Proverbs 28:2 esv

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

Proverbs 28:2 nlt

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

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 2 Meaning

Proverbs 28:2 teaches a fundamental principle about governance and societal stability, directly linking it to the moral and spiritual condition of a nation. It states that when a country, or its people, are marked by transgression or rebellion against divine laws, this leads to political instability characterized by frequent changes in leadership, competing factions, or a multiplicity of ineffective rulers. Conversely, when a leader, or the ruling authority, possesses true understanding and discerning wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, they bring about long-lasting order, stability, and enduring peace for the nation.

Proverbs 28 2 Context

Proverbs 28 primarily contrasts the wicked and the righteous, particularly in the context of their conduct, prosperity, and their influence on society and governance. Verses often come in antithetical parallelism, presenting two opposing scenarios or types of people. This chapter delves into themes of justice, honesty, diligently seeking God, and their practical implications for national well-being and personal integrity. Verse 2 specifically addresses the stability of a nation's government as a direct consequence of its moral state (rebellion) or its leadership's character (understanding). Historically, ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, including Israel, frequently experienced political upheaval, coups, and succession crises, especially when their leaders or populace turned away from divine principles. The verse reflects this reality, affirming that national stability is divinely ordered through righteous living and wise leadership. It subtly asserts the truth of Yahweh's order against the chaotic political landscapes observed in societies lacking divine wisdom.

Proverbs 28 2 Word analysis

• בְּפֶשַׁע (B'pesha): From pesha (H6588), meaning "transgression," "rebellion," "revolt," or "sin." This word denotes a deliberate act of breaking away, a breach of faith, particularly against God. It suggests a wilful departure from what is right and established, implying both individual and collective moral failure that undermines the societal fabric.

• אֶרֶץ (erets): Land, country, earth. In this context, it refers to a specific nation or realm and its inhabitants, signifying the collective body politic.

• רַבִּים (rabbim): Many, numerous. It describes a situation where there is not just one continuous line of authority, but rather a proliferation of competing, unstable, or rapidly changing rulers. This points to political fragmentation, frequent coups, short-lived reigns, or civil strife.

• שָׂרֶיהָ (sareyha): From sarim (H8269), meaning "princes," "rulers," "chiefs," or "officials." This plural form reinforces the idea of numerous leaders, emphasizing the lack of stable, unified leadership that characterizes a rebellious nation.

• וּבְאָדָם מֵבִין (u'v'adam mevin): Literally, "and by a man of understanding."

  • אָדָם (adam): Man, humankind, person. Here, a singular figure embodying the quality of leadership.
  • מֵבִין (mevin): From bin (H995), "to discern," "perceive," "understand." It denotes deep intellectual and moral comprehension, the ability to grasp complex situations, to judge accurately, and to make sound decisions. This understanding is profoundly spiritual, rooted in Godly wisdom, rather than mere human cleverness. Note that some translations add "and knowledge" conceptually, but the Hebrew text for "mevin" specifically emphasizes discernment and insight.

• יַאֲרִֽיךְ (ya'arikh): From arakh (H748), "to prolong," "make long," "endure." This signifies the result of wise leadership: the nation's stability, peace, and order are prolonged or endure over a significant period. The rule of such a leader (or leaders) is long and steady.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers": This phrase establishes a cause-and-effect relationship. "Rebellious" (pesha) against divine law leads directly to political chaos, fragmentation, and instability, marked by "many rulers." The internal spiritual state of the nation manifests in its external governmental structure.
  • "but a man of understanding maintains order": This clause offers the antithetical solution and outcome. The presence of leadership characterized by mevin (discerning understanding)—often a reflection of Godly wisdom—brings forth and ensures "long-lasting" order and stability (ya'arikh), demonstrating that righteous, wise governance provides enduring strength where sin creates disarray.

Proverbs 28 2 Bonus section

The principle articulated in Proverbs 28:2 suggests that societal structures often mirror the moral health of the populace. A nation’s decline into pesha can be interpreted as a collective departure from the foundational truths and ethical boundaries ordained by God. This collective spiritual decay then translates into tangible political fragmentation and weakness. Conversely, the wisdom (chokmah) and understanding (tevunah and binah) celebrated throughout Proverbs are gifts from God, emphasizing that truly effective and stable leadership must be Spirit-led and morally grounded. The contrast between short, tumultuous reigns ("many rulers") and sustained governance ("maintains order") highlights God’s preference for stability and His capacity to bring it about through human instruments dedicated to His ways. This verse also implicitly warns against self-rule (doing what is right in one's own eyes) at a national level, a common theme in the book of Judges that led to cyclical instability and foreign oppression.

Proverbs 28 2 Commentary

Proverbs 28:2 distills a profound socio-political truth: the health of a nation's governance is fundamentally linked to its moral condition. National "rebellion" (pesha) — a turning away from God's commands and righteous principles — breeds governmental instability. This instability manifests as "many rulers," implying a chaotic cycle of leadership changes, fragmented power, internal strife, or a series of ineffectual leaders. Such a state signifies a lack of moral and political cohesion, making effective governance impossible.

In stark contrast, the proverb asserts that stability comes through "a man of understanding" (mevin). This is not merely intellectual intelligence but a profound discernment rooted in divine wisdom, enabling sound judgment, righteous leadership, and effective administration. Such a leader fosters continuity, order, and peace, "maintaining" or "prolonging" the nation's well-being. This verse highlights the crucial role of both national character and individual leadership: where national sin introduces political disarray, God-given wisdom in leadership ensures endurance. It is a timeless reminder that true and lasting national security and prosperity are ultimately built not on military might or economic power alone, but on a foundation of righteousness and wise governance.