Proverbs 14:28 - Meaning and Application

Here are two principles of government that explain themselves.

First, it is a great honor for a king to have a large and growing people. That shows he rules well, because outsiders are willing to come and settle under his protection, and his own people live in peace and plenty. It also shows that both he and his kingdom are under God’s blessing, since one result of that blessing is fruitfulness and growth.

A large people are the king’s strength, and they make him important and respected. Happy is the king, the father of his country, whose quiver is full of arrows, a picture of many children and many subjects (Psalm 127:4-5). He will not be put to shame, but will be able to speak confidently with his enemies in the gate, where public business and legal matters were handled (Psalm 127:4-5). For that reason, rulers should use gentle government, encourage trade and farming, and make life easier for their people so the nation can grow.

The same thought applies to Christ’s kingdom. All who love Christ and want to honor him should do what they can in their place to help many be added to his church.

Second, when the people grow few, the prince grows weak. Some read the line this way, “In the lack of people is the prince’s leanness.” Trade slows down, the fields are left uncultivated, the army lacks recruits, the navy lacks sailors, and everything suffers because there are not enough hands.

This shows how much kings depend on their people for honor and safety. It is another reason rulers should govern with kindness and not harshness. God also corrects princes through judgments that reduce the number of the people, as happened in David’s day (2 Samuel 24:13).