Proverbs 28:2

2. For the transgression of a land Or, on account of rebellion or revolt, etc.

Many are the princes That is, they are short lived or short reigned, or several reigning at the same time in opposition, producing confusion, lawlessness, and bloodshed. “May Allah multiply your sheiks!” is a fearful Arab malediction. The latter part of this verse is obscure and variously translated. “But because of a man of understanding, (that is, a prince of intelligence,) he who regards what is right shall prolong his days.”

Stuart. “So soon as men become intelligent and knowing, then he (the prince) lives long.” Bertheau. “But with discerning and knowing men there may be permanence.” Conant. “In the sin of a land many are its leaders, but by the plainest man who imparts discernment, it makes itself endure.” Miller. Noyes gives the sense of the verse to be, “Through the rebellion of a land, many are its rulers; but through men of prudence and understanding it shall long endure.” National wickedness results in national ruin, the overthrow of the constituted authority, of order and law, in which case the people are apt to become victims of many petty tyrants, who often rapidly succeed each other, robbing and murdering the people. This is frequently the result of maladministration and injustice or incompetency on the part of the sovereign and his counsellors. But intelligence and a regard to what is right on the part of rulers may prevent these disasters, and both prolong the reign and the life of the ruler, and the stability and order of the State.