Proverbs 28:2-4
New Catholic Bible
2 When a land is in revolt, it has many leaders,[a]
but it will enjoy security under a prudent leader.
3 A needy man[b] who oppresses the poor
is like a drenching rain that destroys the crops.
4 Those who forsake the law[c] praise the wicked man,
but those who observe the law are in constant opposition to him.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:2 When a nation is corrupt, its leaders have no permanency, revolts spring up, and various personages appear who scheme to win the crown at any cost.
- Proverbs 28:3 A needy man: another translation is “a ruler” (or “tyrant”). Who oppresses the poor: see Prov 14:31. Drenching rain: a similar phrase is used to indicate a destructive army (Isa 28:2), while a gentler rain is used to indicate a righteous king (Ps 72:6-7).
- Proverbs 28:4 The law: it can refer to the teachings of wisdom (Prov 3:1; 7:2) or the law of Moses (Ps 119:53).
Proverbs 28:2-4
New International Version
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but those who heed it resist them.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor person
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