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Proverbs 28:2

Authority and leadership

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with 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 and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

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  • Job 22:28–30

    Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

    Read in context

  • Genesis 45:5–8

    Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

    Read in context

  • 1 Kings 15:28

    Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead.

    Read in context

  • 2 Kings 15:8–31

    In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

    Read in context

  • 2 Chronicles 32:20–26

    And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 58:12

    And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

    Read in context

  • Daniel 4:27

    Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

    Read in context