Proverbs 28:16

ยถ The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.

The prince {H5057} that wanteth {H2638} understanding {H8394} is also a great {H7227} oppressor {H4642}: but he that hateth {H8130} covetousness {H1215} shall prolong {H748} his days {H3117}.

A prince without discernment is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates greed will prolong his life.

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

The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; Buthe that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Commentary

Proverbs 28:16 delivers a powerful contrast, highlighting the consequences of leadership lacking wisdom and the blessings of resisting greed. It speaks to both the character of rulers and the principles that lead to a stable and prosperous life.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life according to God's principles. This particular verse falls within a section that often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, frequently addressing themes of justice, governance, and wealth. In ancient Israelite society, the character of a ruler was paramount, as their decisions directly impacted the well-being and stability of the entire nation. A king or "prince" was expected to embody wisdom and justice, reflecting God's own character.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Unwise Leadership: The first part of the verse, "The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor," warns against leaders who lack discernment, moral insight, or practical wisdom. Without sound judgment, power inevitably corrupts, leading to tyranny, exploitation, and injustice for the people. A leader who fails to understand the true needs of the populace or the principles of righteous governance will cause suffering. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 29:2, "When the wicked rule, the people mourn."
  • The Corruption of Covetousness: The term "covetousness" (Hebrew: betsa) refers specifically to unjust gain, ill-gotten profit, or greed acquired through violence, exploitation, or fraud. The verse implies that a lack of understanding often leads to a desire for such illegitimate wealth, fueling oppression. This highlights a fundamental flaw in character that undermines both personal integrity and societal well-being.
  • Righteousness and Longevity: The second part, "but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days," provides a hopeful counterpoint. To "hate covetousness" means to actively reject greed, to be content with honest gain, and to uphold justice. Such a person is promised to "prolong his days," which signifies not only a potentially longer physical life but also a life characterized by peace, stability, security, and enduring blessing. This promise is a common theme in Proverbs for those who walk in righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wanteth understanding" can be understood from the Hebrew as lacking binah or sakal, which denote practical wisdom, discernment, and insight necessary for effective and just governance. A ruler devoid of such insight will inevitably make foolish and oppressive decisions. The word for "covetousness," betsa (ื‘ึถึผืฆึทืข), strongly implies profit gained through dishonest or violent means, emphasizing the moral corruption inherent in such desires. Hating betsa means a deep aversion to ill-gotten gain and a commitment to uprightness.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for both leaders and individuals today:

  • For Leaders: It serves as a stark warning that true leadership requires profound wisdom and understanding, not merely power or ambition. Leaders must prioritize justice and the well-being of their constituents over personal gain or oppressive policies. Seeking divine wisdom is crucial for effective and righteous governance, as highlighted by wisdom's role in governance in Proverbs 8:15-16.
  • For Individuals: The principle of hating covetousness applies to everyone. It encourages contentment, integrity, and a rejection of materialism or the pursuit of wealth through unethical means. Resisting the temptation of unjust gain leads to a life of greater peace, stability, and enduring blessing, reflecting God's favor. This timeless wisdom resonates with the Tenth Commandment against coveting. We are called to pray for and support wise and just leadership, recognizing its critical impact on society.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 18:21

    Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

  • Jeremiah 22:15

    Shalt thou reign, because thou closest [thyself] in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, [and] then [it was] well with him?

  • Jeremiah 22:17

    But thine eyes and thine heart [are] not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do [it].

  • 1 Kings 12:10

    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 [it] lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little [finger] shall be thicker than my father's loins.

  • Nehemiah 5:15

    But the former governors that [had been] 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.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:1

    ยถ So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.

  • 1 Kings 12:14

    And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
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