Proverbs 14:28

“Mercy and truth preserve the king, etc.] Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice; these preserve him in the affections of his people, and make him safe and secure on his throne; and because of these the Lord preserves him from his enemies. It maybe rendered, “grace and truth”f566; and…”

“The teaching of a true political economy.”

“A protest against the false ideal of national greatness to which Eastern kings, for the most part, have bowed down. Not conquest, or pomp, or gorgeous array, but a happy and numerous people form the true glory of a king. The word translated “prince” is of doubtful meaning; but the translation is supported by the Septuagint, Vulg, and most commentators. return to 'Top of Page'”

“14:28 The well-being and growth of the people, not wealth or military victory, are the true signs of a king’s success.”

“Exo 1:12, Exo 1:22; Kg1 4:20, Kg1 4:21, Kg1 20:27; Kg2 10:32, Kg2 10:33, Kg2 13:7 Proverbs 14:29”

“28 In the multitude of the people lies the king's honour; And when the population diminishes, it is the downfall of his glory. The honour or the ornament (vid., regarding הדר, tumere, ampliari, the root-word of הדר and הדרה at Isa 63:1) of a king consists in this, that he rules over a great people, and that they increase and prosper; on the other hand, it is the ruin of princely greatness when the people decline in number and in wealth. Regarding מחתּה, vid., at Pro 10:14. בּאפס signifies prepositionally "without" (properly, by non-existence), e.g., Pro 26:20, or adverbially "groundless" (properly, for nothing), Isa 52:4; here it is to be understood after its contrast בּרב־: in the…”