Mishle 28:16

16 The nagid (ruler) lacking tevunot (understanding) is also a great oppressor, but he that hateth betza (ill-gotten gain) shall prolong his yamim (days).

Mishle 28:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:16

The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great
oppressor
Or, "much in oppressions" ^F15; 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" ^F16, 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 (twqvem br) "multus oppressionibus", Montanus, Junius & Tremeilius, Piscator, Mercerus, Baynus, Michaelis, Schultens.
F16 So Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus, and some Jewish writers in Vatablus.

Mishle 28:16 In-Context

14 Ashrei adam that is reverent always, but he that hardeneth his lev shall fall into ra’ah.

15 As a roaring ari, and a charging dov (bear), so is a wicked moshel (ruler) over the am dal (poor people).

16 The nagid (ruler) lacking tevunot (understanding) is also a great oppressor, but he that hateth betza (ill-gotten gain) shall prolong his yamim (days).

17 If an adam is burdened with dahm (blood, murder) of any nefesh, let him be a fugitive ad bor (till the pit, death); let no ish help him.

18 He who walketh tamim (blamelessly) shall be saved, but he that is perverse in his drakhim shall fall suddenly.