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Proverbs 28:16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The prince that wanteth understanding <i>is</i> also a great oppressor: <i>but</i> he that hateth covetousness shall prolong <i>his</i> days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A ruler who lacks understanding <i>is</i> a great oppressor, <i>But</i> he who hates covetousness will prolong <i>his</i> days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, <i>But</i> a person who hates unjust gain will prolong <i>his</i> days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, <i>But</i> he who hates unjust gain will prolong <i>his</i> days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions, <i>But</i> he who hates greedy gain will prolong <i>his</i> days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding <i>and</i> common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A heartless leader is a fool, but anyone who refuses to get rich by cheating others will live a long time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />A leader without understanding taxes [his people] heavily, but those who hate unjust gain will live longer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A Commander-in-Chief who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding, but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A leader lacking understanding multiplies oppressions, "" Whoever is hating dishonest gain prolongs days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A prince wanting understanding and great in oppressions: he hating gain shall lengthen the days.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The less prudent the rulers, the more oppressive their deeds. Those who hate ill-gotten gain prolong their days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor; but he who hates deceit shall prolong his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Many are the griefs of the Ruler lacking a mind and whoever hates deceit prolongs his days.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-16.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=5810" 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/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">15</span>Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5057.htm" title="5057: n&#257;&#183;&#7713;&#238;&#7695; (N-ms) -- A leader, ruler, prince. Or nagid; from nagad; a commander, civil, military or religious; generally, honorable themes.">A leader</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: &#7717;a&#774;&#183;sar (Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">who lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: t&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#363;&#183;n&#333;&#183;w&#7791; (N-fp) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">judgment</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: w&#601;&#183;ra&#7687; (Conj-w:: Adj-msc) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">is also a great</a> <a href="/hebrew/4642.htm" title="4642: ma&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#353;aq&#183;q&#333;&#183;w&#7791; (N-fp) -- Extortionate act. From ashaq; oppression.">oppressor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: &#347;&#333;&#183;n&#601;&#183;&#702;&#275; (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">but he who hates</a> <a href="/hebrew/1215.htm" title="1215: &#7687;e&#183;&#7779;a&#8216; (N-ms) -- Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension, gain.">dishonest profit</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ya&#183;&#8217;a&#774;&#183;r&#238;&#7733; (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">will prolong</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: y&#257;&#183;m&#238;m (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">his days.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Isaiah 3:12-15</a></span><br />Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. / The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. / The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: &#8220;You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27-29</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. / Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, &#8216;This is what the Lord GOD says,&#8217; when the LORD has not spoken. / The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-17</a></span><br />&#8220;Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, &#8216;I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.&#8217; So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-4</a></span><br />Then I said: &#8220;Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.&#8221; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a></span><br />&#8220;Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: &#8216;Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men&#8217;s bones and every kind of impurity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39-42</a></span><br />Then the Lord said, &#8220;Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a></span><br />Be shepherds of God&#8217;s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, &#8220;You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave&#8212; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and said, &#8220;You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.</p><p class="hdg">prince</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10,14</a></b></br> And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou <i>it</i> lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little <i>finger</i> shall be thicker than my father's loins&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15</a></b></br> But the former governors that <i>had been</i> before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1</a></b></br> So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of <i>such as were</i> oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors <i>there was</i> power; but they had no comforter.</p><p class="hdg">he that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a></b></br> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place <i>such</i> over them, <i>to be</i> rulers of thousands, <i>and</i> rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Isaiah 33:15,16</a></b></br> He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/22-15.htm">Jeremiah 22:15-17</a></b></br> Shalt thou reign, because thou closest <i>thyself</i> in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, <i>and</i> then <i>it was</i> well with him? &#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-36.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Ill-Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Life</a> <a href="/job/35-16.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/job/35-9.htm">Oppressions</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Tyrannical</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Wanteth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/57-17.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/micah/6-10.htm">Ill-Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-2.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Oppressions</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/songs/6-12.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Tyrannical</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Void</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Wanteth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>A leader who lacks judgment</b><br>A leader's role in biblical times was crucial, as they were responsible for guiding the people according to God's laws. Lacking judgment implies a deficiency in wisdom and discernment, qualities highly valued in leaders like Solomon, who asked God for wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). This phrase warns against leaders who fail to seek divine guidance, leading to poor decision-making. The Bible often contrasts wise and foolish leaders, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in governance (<a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a>).<p><b>is also a great oppressor</b><br>Oppression in the Bible is frequently condemned, as it goes against God's justice and righteousness (<a href="/isaiah/10.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a>). A leader without judgment may resort to oppressive tactics to maintain control, reflecting a failure to uphold the principles of justice and mercy. Historical examples include Pharaoh's oppression of the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11-14</a>) and the unjust rulers criticized by the prophets (<a href="/ezekiel/22-29.htm">Ezekiel 22:29</a>). This phrase highlights the destructive impact of poor leadership on society.<p><b>but he who hates dishonest profit</b><br>The Bible consistently denounces dishonest gain, associating it with corruption and moral decay (<a href="/proverbs/11.htm">Proverbs 11:1</a>). Leaders are called to act with integrity, avoiding bribes and corruption (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>). Hating dishonest profit reflects a commitment to righteousness and fairness, aligning with God's character. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where leaders are urged to be above reproach and not greedy for gain (<a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">1 Timothy 3:3</a>).<p><b>will prolong his days</b><br>The promise of prolonged days is often linked to living righteously and following God's commandments (<a href="/deuteronomy/5-33.htm">Deuteronomy 5:33</a>). This phrase suggests that leaders who reject corruption and embrace integrity will experience God's favor and longevity. It reflects the biblical principle that righteousness leads to life, while wickedness leads to destruction (<a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a>). This idea is also seen in the blessings and curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where obedience results in blessings, including long life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/leader.htm">Leader</a></b><br>Refers to anyone in a position of authority or governance, whether in a family, community, or nation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/oppressor.htm">Oppressor</a></b><br>Someone who exercises authority in a harsh or unjust manner, often exploiting others for personal gain.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dishonest_profit.htm">Dishonest Profit</a></b><br>Ill-gotten gains acquired through deceitful or unethical means.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prolonging_days.htm">Prolonging Days</a></b><br>A Hebrew idiom suggesting a long life, often associated with living righteously and in accordance with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders are called to exercise wisdom and discernment. A lack of judgment can lead to oppression and injustice, harming those under their care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_dishonest_gain.htm">The Dangers of Dishonest Gain</a></b><br>Pursuing dishonest profit not only harms others but also jeopardizes one's own integrity and relationship with God. True prosperity comes from righteousness, not deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing_of_integrity.htm">The Blessing of Integrity</a></b><br>Hating dishonest gain and choosing integrity leads to a life that is blessed and prolonged. This aligns with the biblical principle that righteousness leads to life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Impact of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>Righteous leaders bring peace and prosperity to their communities. Their influence extends beyond their tenure, leaving a legacy of justice and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_personal_reflection.htm">The Call to Personal Reflection</a></b><br>Each believer is called to examine their own life for areas where they may be tempted by dishonest gain and to commit to living with integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_direct_cruel_rulers'_hearts.htm">Proverbs 21:1: How can a king's heart be completely directed by God if history is full of cruel rulers who appear to have acted against any divine morality?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_28_8_relate_to_banks.htm">How does 'whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit' (Proverbs 28:8) align with modern banking systems that seem beneficial yet charge interest?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_proverbs_31_and_1_timothy_2_conflict.htm">Does Proverbs 31:10-31 conflict with other biblical passages, like 1 Timothy 2:11-12, that appear to limit women's roles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_temptation.htm">How do First, Second, and Third Baptist Churches differ?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">A prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.</span>--Thereby losing the love of his people, and at the same time impoverishing them; thus killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. He also by his misdeeds draws down upon himself God's anger in the shape of an early death. Comp. the woe pronounced upon Jehoiakim (<a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm" title="Woe to him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor's service without wages, and gives him not for his work;">Jeremiah 22:13</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor;</span> literally, <span class="accented">and rich in oppression</span>. Ewald, Delitzsch, Nowack, and others take the verse, not as a statement, but as a warning addressed to the ruler, as we have so many addressed to a son, and as the author of the Book of Wisdom calls upon the judges of the earth to listen to his admonitions. They therefore render thus: "O prince, void of understanding, but rich in oppression!" The wording and accentuation of the passage confirm this view. Caher renders, "A prince that wants understanding increases his exactions." The want of intelligence makes a prince cruel and tyrannical and callous to suffering: not possessing the wisdom and prudence necessary for right government, he defrauds his subjects, treats them unjustly, and causes great misery. See the prophet's denunciation of Shallum and Jehoiakim for these very crimes (<a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-19</a>). Septuagint, "A king wanting revenues is a great oppresser (<span class="greek">&#x3c3;&#x3c5;&#x3ba;&#x3bf;&#x3c6;&#x1f71;&#x3bd;&#x3c4;&#x3b7;&#x3c2;</span>)." <span class="cmt_word">He that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days</span> (<a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a>). The prince addressed is thus warned that his oppressive acts will be visited upon him judicially; that only a ruler who deals with his subjects liberally and equitably can attain to old age, and that his conduct will shorten his life. An early death is reckoned as a token of God's indignation. The second hemistich Caher translates, "But he who hates lucre shall reign long." Septuagint, "He who hateth iniquity shall live a long time." (For "covetousness" (<span class="accented">betsa</span>), see on Proverbs 1:19.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-16.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 leader</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1464;&#1490;&#1460;&#1431;&#1497;&#1491;</span> <span class="translit">(n&#257;&#183;&#7713;&#238;&#7695;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who lacks</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1495;&#1458;&#1505;&#1463;&#1443;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7717;a&#774;&#183;sar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1456;&#1453;&#1489;&#1493;&#1468;&#1504;&#1493;&#1465;&#1514;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#363;&#183;n&#333;&#183;w&#7791;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] also a great</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1512;&#1463;&#1445;&#1489;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;ra&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oppressor,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1463;&#1506;&#1458;&#1513;&#1473;&#1463;&#1511;&#1468;&#1425;&#1493;&#1465;&#1514;</span> <span class="translit">(ma&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#353;aq&#183;q&#333;&#183;w&#7791;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4642.htm">Strong's 4642: </a> </span><span class="str2">Extortionate act</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he who hates</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1513;&#1474;&#1465;&#1445;&#1504;&#1461;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(&#347;&#333;&#183;n&#234;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dishonest profit</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1462;&#1437;&#1431;&#1510;&#1463;&#1506;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7687;e&#183;&#7779;a&#8216;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1215.htm">Strong's 1215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will prolong</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1463;&#1488;&#1458;&#1512;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;&#1498;&#1456;</span> <span class="translit">(ya&#183;&#8217;a&#774;&#183;r&#238;&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[his] days.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1464;&#1502;&#1460;&#1469;&#1497;&#1501;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#257;&#183;m&#238;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 28:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 28:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:17" /></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>

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