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Proverbs 28:2

Authority and leadership

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

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This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
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.
WEB
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
ASV
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
DARBY
By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.
BLB
In the transgression of the land, many [are] its princes; and with one man understanding [and] knowing, so it will last long.
ÅB
For et lands frafalls skyld blir dets fyrster mange; men når menneskene er kloke og førstandige, så lever fyrsten lenge.
OTB
Når et land er i opprør, har det mange herskere, men med en person med forstand og kunnskap, består det.
B1930
For et lands frafalls skyld blir dets fyrster mange; men når menneskene er kloke og førstandige, så lever fyrsten lenge.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Kings 16:8–29

    In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.

    Read in context

  • Job 22:28–30

    Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways.

    Read in context

  • Genesis 45:5–8

    And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

    Read in context

  • 1 Kings 15:28

    In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha killed Nadab and reigned in his place.

    Read in context

  • 2 Kings 15:8–31

    In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months.

    Read in context

  • 2 Chronicles 32:20–26

    In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 58:12

    Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.

    Read in context

  • Daniel 4:27

    Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”

    Read in context