Proverbs 28:2

“For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof, etc.] Either together; that is, reigning princes, such as lay claim to the crown, and usurp it; otherwise it is a happiness to a nation to have many princes of the blood, to inherit in succession, to support the crown in their family, and defend a nation, and study the good of it; but it is a judgment to a nation when many rise up as competitors for rule, or do rule, as at Athens, where thirty tyrants sprung up at once; by which factions and parties are made, and which issue in oppression, rapine, and murder: or successively, very quickly, one after another, being dethroned the one by the other: or removed by death, as in the…”

“Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each. but by a man . . . prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.”

“Transgression - Better, rebellion. A revolt against a ruler leads to rapid changes of dynasty (the whole history of the kingdom of Israel was a proof of this), but “with men of understanding and knowledge thus shall he (the prince) continue.” True wisdom will lead people to maintain an existing order. The King James Version implies that political disorders may come as the punishment of any national sin. The state - Better, it (the land) shall surely prolong its days in stability. return to 'Top of Page'”

“But - By a wise and good prince. Proverbs 28:3”

“28:2 Wise . . . leaders rule justly and effectively (8:15-16).”

“the transgression: Kg1 15:25, Kg1 15:28, 16:8-29; 2Kings 15:8-31; Ch2 36:1-12; Isa 3:1-7; Hos 13:11 but: Gen 45:5-8; Ch2 32:20-26; Job 22:28-30; Ecc 9:15; Isa 58:12; Dan 4:27 by a man: etc. by men of understanding and wisdom shall they likewise be prolonged Proverbs 28:3”

“There now follows a royal proverb, whose key-note is the same as that struck at Pro 25:2, which states how a country falls into the οὐκ ἀγαθόν of the rule of the many: Through the wickedness of a land the rulers become many; And through a man of wisdom, of knowledge, authority continues. If the text presented בּפשׁע as Hitzig corrects, then one might think of a political revolt, according to the usage of the word, Kg1 12:19, etc.; but the word is בּפּשׁע, (Note: Thus to be written with Gaja here and at Pro 29:6, after the rule of Metheg-Setzung, 42.) and פּשׁע (from פּשׁע, dirumpere) is the breaking through of limits fixed by God, apostasy, irreligion, e.g., Mic 1:5. But that many rulers…”