In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 14:28
What does Proverbs 14:28 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 14:28
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just about a king having lots of subjects; it's that a large population is evidence of his good rule. When people thrive and multiply, it shows the king isn't oppressing them or leading them into ruinous wars, but fostering their security and well-being.
In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom sayings that contrast righteous and wicked ways, particularly regarding speech and leadership. It directly follows verses about the destruction brought by deceitful words and the prosperity of communities built on understanding. The verse highlights that a king's true strength and glory stem not from military might or territory, but from a thriving population enjoying peace and good governance.
What truly makes a ruler honored? Is it vast armies or grand palaces? This verse points to something far more profound.
Proverbs 14:28 challenges a common idea of power. Instead of glory coming from conquest or sheer force, it's found in a multitude of people.
Signs of a Good Ruler
A large, thriving population isn't accidental. It's a sign of wise and good governance. Think about it:
This verse reminds us that a king's true honor isn't in intimidating others, but in creating an environment where his people can thrive. It's a testament to his leadership when his kingdom is known for its life, not its legions.
What happens when a land is empty? This proverb paints a stark picture of decline and disaster.
The second part of Proverbs 14:28 delivers a powerful warning: '...but without people a prince is ruined.'
Ask a follow-up
The Downward Spiral
When a populace dwindles, it's not just a numerical loss; it signifies a kingdom's collapse.
This isn't just about physical destruction, but also 'consternation' – deep anxiety and fear. A prince who oversees a dying kingdom faces his own demise, as his foundation crumbles beneath him.
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
A state of majesty, splendor, or weightiness. When applied to God, it is His visible presence and excellence; regarding human rulers, it refers to the status and success afforded them by their subjects.
This passage describes Solomon's reign where 'Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore,' illustrating how a vast and prosperous people indeed bring honor and security to a ruler, directly echoing the sentiment in Proverbs.
Psalm 110:3This Messianic psalm speaks of Christ's 'dew from the womb of the morning,' a poetic image for a multitude of willing subjects born into His kingdom, highlighting that true honor for the greatest King comes from a numerous and devoted people.
Isaiah 60:4This prophecy foretells a glorious future where nations and their people will flock to Jerusalem, providing a divine perspective on the ultimate honor and expansion of God's people, which reflects the principle of a king's glory being tied to his population.
Matthew 22:37-40Jesus emphasizes that the whole Law and Prophets hang on loving God and loving your neighbor. A thriving populace, reflecting good governance and well-being, is a practical outcome of living by these foundational commands, which are the heart of true kingship.
gillProverbs 14:28: "In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince."
In the multitude of people is the king's honour,.... For it is a sign of a good and wise government, of clemency and righteousness being exercised, of liberty and property being enjoyed, of peace, plenty, and prosperity; which encourage subjects to serve their king cheerfully, and to continue under his reign and government peaceably; and which invites others from differ…
pulpitProverbs 14:28: "In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince."
Verse 28. - In the multitude of people is the king's honour (glory); but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince; or, of the principality. This maxim is not in accordance with the views of Oriental conquerors and despots, who in their selfish lust of aggrandizement cared not what suffering they inflicted or what blood they shed; who made a wilderness and…
The verse isn't just about a king having lots of subjects; it's that a large population is evidence of his good rule. When people thrive and multiply, it shows the king isn't oppressing them or leading them into ruinous wars, but fostering their security and well-being.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom sayings that contrast righteous and wicked ways, particularly regarding speech and leadership. It directly follows verses about the destruction brought by deceitful words and the prosperity of communities built on understanding. The verse highlights that a king's true strength and glory stem not from military might or territory, but from a thriving population enjoying peace and good governance.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom sayings that contrast righteous and wicked ways, particularly regarding speech and leadership. It directly follows verses about the destruction brought by deceitful words and the prosperity of communities built on understanding. The verse highlights that a king's true strength and glory stem not from military might or territory, but from a thriving population enjoying peace and good governance.
"In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined." — The verse isn't just about a king having lots of subjects; it's that a large population is evidence of his good rule. When people thrive and multiply, it shows the king isn't oppressing them or lea…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026