Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:16 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. "
Proverbs 28:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
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Two things are shown here as causes of bad rule in princes.
First, the love of money, that root of all evil. Hating greed is set against oppression here, in line with Moses’s description of good leaders, people who fear God and hate greed (Exodus 18:21). A ruler who loves money will not deal justly or love mercy. The people under him will be treated as things to be bought and sold.
Second, a lack of wisdom and serious thought. The one who hates greed will keep his rule long and have peace. He will enjoy the love of his people and the blessing of his God. It is as much a ruler’s interest as his duty to govern in righteousness.
So oppressors and tyrants are among the greatest fools in the world. They lack understanding. They do not think about their own honor, comfort, or safety. Instead, they give up all these things for the pride of having absolute power. They could be much happier in the hearts of their people than in their necks or estates.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge."
Proverbs 28:3
"A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops."
Proverbs 28:4
"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them."
Proverbs 28:5
"Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich."
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