Proverbs 29:2 kjv

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 29:2 nkjv

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 niv

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 esv

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 nlt

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 2 Meaning

When those who uphold righteousness and justice gain positions of influence or power, the populace experiences joy, relief, and well-being. Conversely, when individuals characterized by wickedness, corruption, and oppression are in authority, the people endure distress, suffering, and deep sorrow. This proverb establishes a clear, divinely ordered principle: the moral character of leadership directly impacts the welfare and disposition of the governed.

Proverbs 29 2 Context

Proverbs 29 continues the collection of "Sayings of Solomon," or "Sayings of the Wise," contrasting righteousness and wickedness in various life domains, with a particular focus on governance, discipline, and the consequences of one's character. Chapter 29 specifically deals with the importance of wise and righteous leadership, emphasizing its direct impact on societal well-being. It frames a reality where authority figures wield significant power to either bless or burden their communities. Historically, the well-being and stability of ancient Israelite society were intrinsically linked to the character of its kings and judges, who were meant to rule according to God's law. This verse would have directly challenged any prevailing view that power justified unrighteousness, instead asserting God's standard for leadership and highlighting the collective societal repercussions. It implies a subtle polemic against the arbitrary power dynamics sometimes seen in pagan rulers who were deified or unaccountable, affirming that even rulers are subject to the moral order established by the Creator.

Proverbs 29 2 Word analysis

• When the righteous:

  • "When" (בִּרְבוֹת - birbot): The Hebrew word here is part of the construct infinitive of the verb "ravah" (רבה), which means "to become many," "to multiply," or "to increase." While often translated as "when... are in authority," the root conveys a sense of growing, abounding, or becoming numerous. It can suggest that as righteous individuals multiply in society and gain influence, or specifically as more righteous leaders are raised up, the outcome unfolds. It’s not merely the presence, but the increase or dominance of righteous figures.
  • "righteous" (צַדִּיקִים - tzaddiqim): Plural form of "tzaddiq," meaning just, innocent, virtuous, morally right. This describes those who are in proper relationship with God and, as a result, consistently act with integrity, justice, and faithfulness according to His commands. In the context of leadership, it implies governing with equity, truthfulness, and concern for the welfare of others, particularly the vulnerable.

• are in authority:

  • As noted above, "birbot" implies their increase or abounding in power/influence rather than a distinct verb for "being in authority" in Hebrew. The meaning is inferred by the context of "rule" in the second half of the verse. The idea is when their number, influence, or governing presence flourishes.

• the people rejoice:

  • "people" (הָעָם - ha'am): The collective body of the nation, the general populace, implying everyone affected by the governance.
  • "rejoice" (יִשְׂמַח - yismaḥ): The verb "samakh" (שמח) means to be joyful, glad, or delighted. This indicates a genuine state of contentment, security, and well-being that flows from living under a just and fair administration. It contrasts sharply with "groaning."

• but when the wicked rule:

  • "but when" (וּבִמְשֹׁל - uvm'shol): The "u" is a conjunction "and/but," linking the contrasting ideas. "Bim'shol" is from the verb "mashal" (משל), meaning to rule, govern, dominate, or have dominion. This clearly points to the exercise of power and authority.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע - rasha'): Refers to those who are guilty, evil, morally corrupt, or impious. This is the antithesis of "tzaddiq." A wicked ruler operates outside of God's moral order, often characterized by oppression, injustice, deceit, and self-serving ambition, leading to harm for the ruled.

• the people groan:

  • "groan" (יֵאָנַח־עָם - ye'anach-am): From the verb "anakh" (אנח), which means to sigh, lament, groan, or express deep pain and sorrow. This signifies extreme distress, suffering, and a desperate cry arising from oppression, injustice, or economic hardship imposed by the corrupt leadership. It reflects a state of national lament. The "am" here for people is the same root but without the definite article, sometimes emphasizing the collective lament itself.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "When the righteous... rejoice": This phrase highlights the positive cause-and-effect relationship where a society governed by divine principles leads to flourishing and societal peace. It is not mere happiness but the flourishing that comes from justice and security.
• "when the wicked rule, the people groan": This is the dire negative consequence, presenting the suffering and deep distress inflicted by unrighteous power. It points to systems where justice is perverted, leading to widespread misery and cries for relief. The stark contrast between "rejoice" and "groan" emphasizes the radical difference in public well-being based solely on the moral character of those in charge.

Proverbs 29 2 Bonus section

This proverb subtly communicates a prophetic insight: societal conditions are not accidental or merely political, but profoundly ethical and spiritual. The collective joy or groaning of a people is often a direct echo of the moral stance of their leaders towards God's design for humanity and justice. It is also a reminder of God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations, where He permits wicked rule for a season, often as a consequence of national sin, yet His ultimate desire is for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24). The principle applies beyond literal kings or presidents; it extends to anyone in a position of influence—be it in families, communities, or institutions. Wherever power is wielded, its moral nature will shape the experience of those subject to it.

Proverbs 29 2 Commentary

Proverbs 29:2 presents a profound truth concerning the sociology of leadership, emphasizing that the moral quality of those in power directly determines the quality of life for the general populace. When individuals grounded in divine righteousness assume positions of governance, their actions naturally tend towards justice, equity, and compassion. This cultivates an environment where peace, security, and prosperity can thrive, prompting genuine joy and relief among the people. Such leadership builds trust, enforces fairness, and acts for the common good.

Conversely, when those devoid of moral integrity, characterized by self-interest, oppression, and disregard for God's laws, occupy seats of authority, their rule inevitably leads to exploitation, injustice, and chaos. This results in the "groaning" of the people – a profound lament expressing their pain, frustration, and suffering under corrupt systems. This groan can manifest as widespread poverty, violence, lack of freedom, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

The proverb is not merely an observation; it is a divinely revealed principle demonstrating God's standard for governance and His concern for human flourishing. It instructs both leaders and the led about the crucial link between spiritual and ethical character and the welfare of a nation. It implicitly calls for a discerning populace to choose and support righteous leadership, and for leaders to diligently pursue justice and integrity. Practically, this truth resonates across all levels of society: a just parent brings peace to a home, a righteous employer ensures fairness in the workplace, and ethical civic leaders foster communal well-being.