Proverbs 14:28

¶ In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

In the multitude {H7230} of people {H5971} is the king's {H4428} honour {H1927}: but in the want {H657} of people {H3816} is the destruction {H4288} of the prince {H7333}.

A king's glory lies in having many subjects; if the prince's people are few, it is his ruin.

A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

In the multitude of people is the king’s glory; But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

Proverbs 14:28 offers profound insight into the relationship between a ruler's effectiveness and the well-being of their people. It declares that a large, thriving population is a direct testament to a king's honor and successful reign, while a dwindling populace signals the destruction and failure of a prince. This verse underscores the fundamental principle that a leader's true glory is reflected in the prosperity and stability of the nation they govern.

Context

Found within the book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to a collection of wise sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for life, governance, and societal harmony. Proverbs often draws parallels between individual righteousness and national prosperity, emphasizing that good leadership is foundational to a thriving society. This particular proverb highlights the tangible results of a leader's character and policies, showing how they directly impact the populace and, by extension, the strength and honor of the ruler.

Key Themes

  • The Mark of Good Governance: The verse powerfully asserts that a king's true glory is not found in personal wealth or military might alone, but in the flourishing and loyalty of his subjects. A multitude of people signifies peace, justice, and prosperity—conditions under which a population can grow and thrive. This aligns with the principle that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
  • Population as a Barometer: The size and health of a nation's population serve as a clear indicator of its leader's effectiveness. A declining population points to misrule, oppression, famine, or war—conditions that drive people away or cause their demise. Such a 'want of people' inevitably leads to the 'destruction of the prince,' as a ruler without subjects has no kingdom.
  • Accountability of Leadership: The proverb underscores the inherent accountability of those in power. Their actions have direct, measurable consequences for the lives of those they govern, linking their honor or ruin directly to the state of their people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'multitude' (רָב, rav) conveys a sense of greatness and abundance, while 'honour' (הָדָר, hadar) speaks of majesty, splendor, and glory. Conversely, 'want' (אֶפֶס, ephes) implies nothingness or an end, and 'destruction' (מְחִתָּה, meḥittah) carries connotations of terror, ruin, or dismay. The stark contrast between these terms emphasizes the clear cause-and-effect relationship between governance and national well-being.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:28 remains highly relevant for understanding leadership in any sphere—political, corporate, community, or even family. It reminds leaders that their true success is measured by the well-being, growth, and flourishing of those they lead. For citizens, it highlights the importance of discerning good leadership and the societal consequences of both righteous and unrighteous rule. Ultimately, this verse encourages governing with wisdom, justice, and a genuine concern for the people, recognizing that a city is exalted by the blessing of the upright.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 4:20

    ¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

  • 1 Kings 4:21

    And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

  • 2 Kings 13:7

    Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

  • Exodus 1:22

    And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

  • 1 Kings 20:27

    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.

  • 2 Kings 10:32

    In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

  • 2 Kings 10:33

    From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

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