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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 14:28 A large population is a king's splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince's ruin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_14_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:28 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A large population is a king's splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince's ruin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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a prince without subjects has nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In the multitude of people <i>is</i> the king's honour: but in the want of people <i>is</i> the destruction of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In a multitude of people <i>is</i> a king’s honor, But in the lack of people <i>is</i> the downfall of a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the scarcity of people is a prince’s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />In a multitude of people is a king&#8217s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince&#8217s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In a multitude of people is a king’s splendor, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince’s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A large population is a king’s splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A large population is a king&#8217s splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler&#8217s devastation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king's glory; But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Rulers of powerful nations are held in honor; rulers of weak nations are nothing at all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king's glory: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A large population is an honor for a king, but without people a ruler is ruined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A king's greatness depends on how many people he rules; without them he is nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A large population is a king's glory, but a shortage of people is a ruler's ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A large population is a king?s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince?s ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A king's glory is the abundance of people, but the lack of subjects is the ruin of a ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king's honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The honor of a king [is] in the multitude of a people, "" And the ruin of a prince in lack of people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the multitude of a people is the honour of a king, And in lack of people the ruin of a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In a multitude of people the king's decoration: and in the cessation of the people the destruction of the prince.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the dignity of the king: and in the small number of people the dishonour of the prince. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In a multitude of people, there is dignity for the king. And in a paucity of people, there is disgrace for the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A multitude of subjects is the glory of the king; but if his people are few, a prince is ruined. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The glory of a king is a multitude of people; without people a prince is ruined.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In the abundance of population is the king's honor; but in the destruction of the people is the ruin of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />By many people the king is honored, and by the end of the people the king is shattered.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />In the multitude of people is the king's glory; But in the want of people is the ruin of the prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2742" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: bə·rāḇ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">A large</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘ām (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">population</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">is a king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1927.htm" title="1927: haḏ·raṯ- (N-fsc) -- Adornment, glory. Feminine of hadar; decoration.">splendor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/657.htm" title="657: ū·ḇə·’e·p̄es (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- From 'aphec; cessation, i.e. An end; often used adverb, no further; also the ankle, as being the extremity of the leg or foot.">but a lack</a> <a href="/hebrew/3816.htm" title="3816: lə·’ōm (N-ms) -- People. Or l owm; from an unused root meaning to gather; a community.">of subjects</a> <a href="/hebrew/7333.htm" title="7333: rā·zō·wn (N-ms) -- Potentate. From razan; a dignitary.">is a prince’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4288.htm" title="4288: mə·ḥit·taṯ (N-fsc) -- Terror, destruction, ruin. From chathah; properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or consternation.">ruin.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20</a></span><br />The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-38.htm">1 Chronicles 12:38</a></span><br />All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-9.htm">2 Chronicles 1:9</a></span><br />Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-8.htm">2 Chronicles 9:8</a></span><br />Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel enough to establish them forever, He has made you king over them to carry out justice and righteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-23.htm">2 Chronicles 32:23</a></span><br />Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the LORD and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah, and from then on he was exalted in the eyes of all nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Esther 10:3</a></span><br />For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-11.htm">Psalm 72:11</a></span><br />May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-27.htm">Psalm 89:27</a></span><br />I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-22.htm">Daniel 4:22</a></span><br />you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-14.htm">Daniel 7:14</a></span><br />And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-8.htm">Matthew 21:8-9</a></span><br />A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. / The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-37.htm">Luke 19:37-38</a></span><br />And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: / “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-12.htm">John 12:12-13</a></span><br />The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-41.htm">Acts 2:41</a></span><br />Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In the multitude of people is the king's honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Exodus 1:12,22</a></b></br> But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20,21</a></b></br> Judah and Israel <i>were</i> many, as the sand which <i>is</i> by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">1 Kings 20:27</a></b></br> And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/5-22.htm">Dearth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-9.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/144-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Need</a> <a href="/numbers/15-26.htm">Population</a> <a href="/psalms/82-7.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-22.htm">Prince's</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Ruined</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Subjects</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/14-1.htm">Dearth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Need</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm">Population</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/songs/7-1.htm">Prince's</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Ruined</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/matthew/8-12.htm">Subjects</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A large population is a king’s splendor</b><br>In ancient times, the strength and glory of a king were often measured by the size of his kingdom and the number of his subjects. A large population indicated prosperity, stability, and the ability to defend against enemies. This concept is reflected in the reigns of kings like Solomon, whose wisdom and leadership attracted many to his kingdom, making it a center of wealth and influence (<a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20-21</a>). The idea of a populous nation as a sign of divine blessing is also seen in the promises made to Abraham, where his descendants were to be as numerous as the stars (<a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a>). This phrase underscores the importance of community and collective strength in achieving a ruler's success and legacy.<p><b>but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin</b><br>The absence of subjects signifies a lack of support, resources, and power, leading to a ruler's downfall. Historically, a prince or king without a following would struggle to maintain authority and face vulnerability to external threats. This principle is evident in the biblical narrative of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, whose harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom and the loss of ten tribes (<a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-19</a>). Theologically, this phrase can be seen as a warning against pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the need for wise and compassionate leadership that fosters loyalty and unity. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of failing to heed wise counsel and the importance of servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>Represents leadership and authority. In ancient times, a king's power and success were often measured by the size and prosperity of his kingdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/prince.htm">Prince</a></b><br>A subordinate ruler or heir to the throne. The verse contrasts the prince's potential downfall due to a lack of subjects.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/subjects.htm">Subjects</a></b><br>The people under the rule of a king or prince. Their presence and loyalty are crucial for the stability and honor of the ruler.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_kingdoms.htm">Ancient Kingdoms</a></b><br>The context of the verse reflects the societal structure of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, where population size was a direct indicator of a ruler's strength and influence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_community.htm">The Value of Community</a></b><br>A thriving community is a reflection of effective leadership. Leaders should invest in the well-being and growth of their people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>True leadership is not about personal glory but about serving and uplifting those under one's care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_neglect.htm">The Consequences of Neglect</a></b><br>Ignoring the needs of the people can lead to a ruler's downfall. Leaders must be attentive and responsive to their subjects.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Wise leadership attracts and retains a loyal population, which in turn brings honor and stability to the ruler.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>In a spiritual context, church leaders should focus on nurturing their congregation, as a healthy and growing church community reflects the glory of God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_tyre's_prophecy_match_history.htm">In Ezekiel 27, how can the prophecy of Tyre's total destruction be reconciled with historical evidence that Tyre persisted for centuries?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_2_kings_24_14_deportation_be_verified.htm">Can we verify the large-scale deportation described in 2 Kings 24:14 through Babylonian records or archaeological data?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_chron._28_8_align_with_history.htm">Does the capture of 200,000 prisoners in 2 Chronicles 28:8 align with known historical records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_genesis_28_14_historically_valid.htm">How can the claim that Jacob's descendants would spread 'to the west and to the east' be validated historically (Genesis 28:14)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">In the multitude of people is the king's honour.</span>--Not in ambitious wars. In these words speaks the "man of rest" (<a href="/1_chronicles/22-9.htm" title="Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.">1Chronicles 22:9</a>). (Comp. the description of Solomon's kingdom in the days of his prosperity; <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm" title="Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.">1Kings 4:20</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In the multitude of people is the king's honour</span> (glory); <span class="cmt_word">but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince;</span> or, <span class="accented">of the principality.</span> This maxim is not in accordance with the views of Oriental conquerors and despots, who in their selfish lust of aggrandizement cared not what suffering they inflicted or what blood they shed; who made a wilderness and called it peace. The reign of Solomon, the peaceful, gave an intimation that war and conquest were not a monarch's highest glory: that a happy and numerous people, dwelling securely and increasing in numbers, was a better honour for a king and more to be desired (<a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20</a>). Increase of population is not, as some political economists would teach, in itself an evil; it is rather a sign of prosperity, and is in agreement with the primeval blessing, "Increase and multiply;" and though it may be hard to maintain the exact equilibrium between production and consumers, yet wise legislation can foresee and remedy the difficulty, the abundance in one part can supply the scarcity in another, the providence of God watching over all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A large</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָב־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rāḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">population</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a king’s</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">splendor,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדְרַת־</span> <span class="translit">(haḏ·raṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1927.htm">Strong's 1927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adornment, glory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a lack</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְאֶ֥פֶס</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·’e·p̄es)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_657.htm">Strong's 657: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of subjects</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝אֹ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3816.htm">Strong's 3816: </a> </span><span class="str2">A community</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a prince’s</span><br /><span class="heb">רָזֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·zō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7333.htm">Strong's 7333: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dignitary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ruin.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְחִתַּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḥit·taṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4288.htm">Strong's 4288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dissolution, a ruin, consternation</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-28.htm">Proverbs 14:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:28 In the multitude of people (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>