Proverbs 28:16
Proverbs 28:16 in Multiple Translations
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
A prince destitute of vnderstanding, is also a great oppressour: but hee that hateth couetousnes, shall prolong his dayes.
A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.
Rulers who do not have good sense cruelly oppress the people they rule, but rulers who do not want to become rich by cheating/deceiving people will live (OR, rule) for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נָגִ֗יד
חֲסַ֣ר
תְּ֭בוּנוֹת
וְ/רַ֥ב
מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת
שנאי
שֹׂ֥נֵא
בֶ֝֗צַע
יַאֲרִ֥יךְ
יָמִֽים
נָגִ֗יד
nâgîyd
H5057
leader
N-ms
חֲסַ֣ר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Adj
תְּ֭בוּנוֹת
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fp
וְ/רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
many
Conj | Adj
מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת
maʻăshaqqâh
H4642
oppression
N-fp
שנאי
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal
שֹׂ֥נֵא
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal
בֶ֝֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
יַאֲרִ֥יךְ
ʼârak
H748
to prolong
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:16
נָגִ֗יד
nâgîyd
H5057
"leader"
N-ms
This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.
Definition: 1) leader, ruler, captain, prince 1a) ruler, prince 1b) prince-overseer 1c) ruler (in other capacities) 1d) princely things
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince, (chief) ruler. See also: 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 29:22; Psalms 76:13.
חֲסַ֣ר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
תְּ֭בוּנוֹת
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fp
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
וְ/רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת
maʻăshaqqâh
H4642
"oppression"
N-fp
Maashaqqah refers to oppression or extortion, describing unjust treatment of others. It is used to condemn wrongful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: extortionate deed, extortion
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: oppression, [idiom] oppressor. See also: Proverbs 28:16; Isaiah 33:15.
שנאי
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
שֹׂ֥נֵא
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
בֶ֝֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
יַאֲרִ֥יךְ
ʼârak
H748
"to prolong"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to prolong or make something long, whether it's a physical object, a period of time, or a person's life, as seen in the book of Genesis where God prolongs the lives of the patriarchs. In Exodus, it describes the lengthening of the Israelites' stay in Egypt.
Definition: 1) to be long, prolong 1a) (Qal) to be long 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to prolong (days) 1b2) to make long (tent cords) 1b3) to grow long, continue long Aramaic equivalent: a.rakh (אֲרִיךְ "be proper" H0749)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: defer, draw out, lengthen, (be, become, make, pro-) long, [phrase] (out-, over-) live, tarry (long). See also: Genesis 26:8; 1 Kings 3:14; Psalms 129:3.
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:16
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. 18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:21 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 22:15–17 | 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. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 4:1 | Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 5:15 | The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God. |
| 5 | Isaiah 3:12 | Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 12:14 | and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 33:15–16 | He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 12:10 | The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! |
| 9 | Amos 4:1 | Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, who say to your husbands, “Bring us more to drink.” |
Proverbs 28:16 Summary
Proverbs 28:16 teaches us that a leader who doesn't make good choices can hurt a lot of people, but someone who refuses to cheat or be dishonest will have a long and happy life (as seen in Proverbs 10:2). This means that if we want to be good leaders, whether at home, work, or in our communities, we need to make fair and honest choices. By doing so, we can have a positive impact on those around us and live a life that honors God, as described in Psalms 37:37.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of leader is described in Proverbs 28:16?
The leader described in Proverbs 28:16 is one who lacks judgment, making them a great oppressor, but one who hates dishonest profit will have a long life, as seen in Proverbs 28:16 and supported by Proverbs 10:2 which says that treasures gained by wickedness do not profit.
What is the consequence of lacking judgment as a leader?
Lacking judgment as a leader makes one a great oppressor, and this is evident in Proverbs 28:16, and also in Proverbs 29:2 which says that when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
How does one hate dishonest profit?
Hating dishonest profit means refusing to gain wealth or power through unjust or corrupt means, as seen in Proverbs 28:16, and this is supported by Proverbs 15:27 which says that he who is greedy for gain troubles his own house.
What is the benefit of hating dishonest profit?
According to Proverbs 28:16, he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days, indicating a long and blessed life, similar to what is described in Psalms 37:37 which says that the blameless will inherit good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that a leader's lack of judgment can affect those they are leading, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- In what ways can I hate dishonest profit in my daily life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- How can I cultivate a heart that hates dishonest profit, and what role does humility play in this process?
- What does it mean to 'prolong my days' as mentioned in Proverbs 28:16, and how can I apply this to my own life and legacy?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:16
The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor,.... Or, "much in oppressions" (o); he multiplies them, and abounds in them; he distresses his subjects in a variety of ways and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:16
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
The tyranny or oppression of a prince, though by some accounted wisdom, is in truth a manifest act and sign of great folly, because it alienateth from him the hearts of his people, in which his honour, and safety, and riches consist, and ofttimes causeth the shortening of his days, either from God, who cuts him off by some sudden judgment, or from men, who are injured by him, and exasperated against him. Covetousness is the chief cause of all oppressions and unjust practices. Shall prolong his days, by God’ s favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people, which makes them careful to preserve his life by their fervent prayers to God for him, by willingly hazarding their own estates and lives for him, when occasion requires it, and by all other possible means.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
Proverbs 28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.Ver. 16. The prince that wanteth understanding.] As every tyrant doth, though they think they deal wisely, as Pharaoh, for they usually come to untimely ends, as most of the Caesars till Constantine, and as our Richard III and Queen Mary, whose reigns are the shortest of all the kings since the Conquest. "Bloody and deceitful men live not half their days," or if they do, it is for a further evil unto them. But he that hateth covetousness.] Covetousness in the original hath its name from piercing or wounding, and fitly, both in respect of others, and himself. Ad generum Cereris sine caede, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
(16) A prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.—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 (Jeremiah 22:13, sqq.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
Verse 16. The prince that wanteth understanding] A weak prince will generally have wicked ministers, for his weakness prevents him from making a proper choice; and he is apt to prefer them who flatter him, and minister most to his pleasures. The quantum of the king's intellect may be always appreciated by the mildness or oppressiveness of his government. He who plunges his people into expensive wars, to support which they are burdened with taxes, is a prince without understanding. He does not know his own interest, and does not regard that of his people. But these things, though general truths, apply more particularly to those despotic governments which prevail in Asiatic countries.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:16
16. The prince &c.] Lit. A prince that lacketh understanding and a great oppressor! i.e. the two are identical. There is no particle of connection or contrast between the two clauses of the verse, and R.V. marg. adopts the view that the whole verse is a continuous address or admonition: O prince that lackest understanding and art a great oppressor, he that, &c.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:16
16. Prince that wanteth understanding — It is not a wicked ruler only that oppresses his people, but a weak one also; one who is himself both incapable of governing well and of selecting good advisers.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate - Love of Money - Learned Behavioural Patterns by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of greed, covetousness, and the love of money, urging Christians to cultivate humility and meekness to combat these deadly sins. He highlights |
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Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |
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The Meaning of Head in the Bible by Wayne Grudem | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of citing references in a way that makes them difficult to locate. He emphasizes that evangelical scholarship should |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |
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Give Me More, Give Me More - Part 1 by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the issue of coveting and its impact on society. He emphasizes that the greed and covetousness of individuals and nations are causing co |
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Keeping the Flock by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the vital role of soul-winners in nurturing and maintaining the faith of their converts, drawing parallels to Paul's dedication in strengthening bel |