Proverbs 28:16
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
– Proverbs 28:16
A prince is a ruler and wanting
understanding means he is a foolish ruler. He lacks the wisdom needed in ruling justly. The foolish ruler becomes an
oppressor, or tyrannical in his rule. The word for
oppressor refers to extortion. The second line forms an uneven parallel. The ruler that hates
covetousness has wisdom and it tends to life (Proverbs 15:28; 29:14). The word for
covetousness refers to unjust gain that might result from deceptive business practices, or in this case, tyrannical abuse of authority. The implication for the foolish ruler is their folly rejects wisdom and tends to death (Proverbs 8:36).
Posted by Jeff Short on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 · Leave a Comment
About Jeff Short