Proverbs 14:28
In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse challenges the idea that military might or territorial expansion brings a ruler glory. True honor for a king, it suggests, comes not from conquest but from a thriving, numerous populace – a sign of wise and benevolent leadership that allows people to flourish.
This proverb comes amidst a series of practical wisdom sayings about community, justice, and leadership. It contrasts the king's true glory, found in a thriving populace, with the vulnerability and ruin that comes from a depleted or absent people. The focus is on the foundation of a strong kingdom, emphasizing that a ruler's success is intrinsically tied to the well-being and numbers of those they govern.
What truly makes a king great? Is it vast armies and conquered lands, or something more fundamental?
This verse challenges a common idea of power. It declares that a king's real honor and glory isn't found in military might or territorial expansion. Instead, it lies in having a large, thriving population. Think about it: a king with no people to rule over is no king at all! This abundance of people signifies a well-governed land where citizens feel safe, prosperous, and secure, leading them to flourish and multiply. It's a sign of peace and good stewardship, not aggressive ambition.
What happens when a kingdom loses its people? The consequences are stark and devastating.
The flip side of this truth is a sobering warning: 'without people a prince is ruined.' This isn't just about a lack of subjects; it points to a complete breakdown. When people are driven away by oppression, flee due to war, or perish from hardship, the kingdom crumbles. Trade falters, the land goes uncultivated, and there's no one left to defend or support the ruler. It's a picture of desolation, where the very foundation of the prince's power and existence is stripped away, leading to his downfall.
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,' highlighting a peaceful and prosperous kingdom as a true honor for a king, aligning with Proverbs' emphasis on a multitude of people.
Genesis 9:1God's command to Noah to 'Be fruitful and multiply' echoes the underlying principle that a growing population is a sign of blessing and prosperity, which in turn reflects well on a ruler who fosters such an environment.
Psalm 110:3This verse speaks of Christ's willing subjects being as numerous as the dew, reflecting a spiritual fulfillment of the principle that a multitude of people serving a leader is a source of honor and glory, applicable to both earthly and heavenly kings.
Matthew 22:37-40Jesus highlights that the greatest commandments are love for God and love for neighbor, suggesting that a ruler who embodies and promotes such love will naturally foster a society where people thrive and multiply, bringing honor to his reign.
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…
This verse challenges the idea that military might or territorial expansion brings a ruler glory. True honor for a king, it suggests, comes not from conquest but from a thriving, numerous populace – a sign of wise and benevolent leadership that allows people to flourish.
This proverb comes amidst a series of practical wisdom sayings about community, justice, and leadership. It contrasts the king's true glory, found in a thriving populace, with the vulnerability and ruin that comes from a depleted or absent people. The focus is on the foundation of a strong kingdom, emphasizing that a ruler's success is intrinsically tied to the well-being and numbers of those they govern.
This proverb comes amidst a series of practical wisdom sayings about community, justice, and leadership. It contrasts the king's true glory, found in a thriving populace, with the vulnerability and ruin that comes from a depleted or absent people. The focus is on the foundation of a strong kingdom, emphasizing that a ruler's success is intrinsically tied to the well-being and numbers of those they govern.
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"In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined." — This verse challenges the idea that military might or territorial expansion brings a ruler glory. True honor for a king, it suggests, comes not from conquest but from a thriving, numerous populace –…
