Proverbs 28:16

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

American King James Version (AKJV)

The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

American Standard Version (ASV)

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

Basic English Translation (BBE)

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.

Webster's Revision

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

World English Bible

A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

English Revised Version (ERV)

The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Clarke's Proverbs 28:16 Bible Commentary

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.

Wesley's Proverbs 28:16 Bible Commentary

28:16 Oppressor - The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly.Prolong - By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.