SEV Biblia, Chapter 28:16
¶ El príncipe falto de entendimiento multiplicará los agravios; mas el que aborrece la avaricia, prolongará sus días.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 28:16
Verse 16. The prince that wanteth understanding ] A weak prince will generally have wicked ministers, for his weakness prevents him from making a proper choice; and he is apt to prefer them who flatter him, and minister most to his pleasures. The quantum of the king's intellect may be always appreciated by the mildness or oppressiveness of his government. He who plunges his people into expensive wars, to support which they are burdened with taxes, is a prince without understanding. He does not know his own interest, and does not regard that of his people. But these things, though general truths, apply more particularly to those despotic governments which prevail in Asiatic countries.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 16. The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor , etc.] Or, “much in oppressions” f785 ; he multiplies them, and abounds in them; he distresses his subjects in a variety of ways and methods he uses to extort money from them by which he shows his want of understanding: he is a wise prince that uses gentle methods, and gains the affections of his people, and who cheerfully supports his crown and government with honour and glory; but he is a foolish prince that uses them with rigour. It may be rendered, “and a prince that wanteth understanding, and is much”, or “abounds, in oppressions”; in laying heavy burdens and taxes on his people, in an arbitrary manner; “shall shorten, and not prolong his days” f786 , as it may be supplied from the next clause; either his subjects will rise up against him, and dethrone him, and destroy him; or God, in mercy to them, and in judgment to him, will remove him by death; [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days ; to hate covetousness is a good qualification of a civil magistrate, prince, or ruler, ( Exodus 18:21). This sin is the cause of a wicked prince oppressing his subjects; but where it is hated, which is seen by moderation in government, and easing of the people as much as possible; such a prince, as he has the hearts of his subjects, is well pleasing to God, by whom he reigns; and such an one, through the prayers of the people for him, and the goodness of God unto him, lives long, and reigns prosperously; and dies, as David, in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 16 - Oppressors want understanding; they do not consult their own honour ease, and safety.
Original Hebrew
נגיד 5057 חסר 2638 תבונות 8394 ורב 7227 מעשׁקות 4642 שׂנאי 8130 בצע 1215 יאריך 748 ימים׃ 3117
