Proverbs 28:2 Commentary and Bible Study

The comparison is between a land given to transgression and a land blessed by the Lord. There is an asymmetry in the two sides. On the one hand the conduct of the land has an effect on the rulers of the land; on the other hand the conduct of the ruler has an effect on the land, but both sides are about God’s providence towards the nations, with an application beyond that. God judges nations as well as individuals. In the days when kings ruled over nations, God would judge a nation which flaunted his laws by giving them an unstable, ever changing series of rulers. This resulted in constant revision and change of policy which allowed no time for consolidation and growth. One ruler would uproot the policies put in place by the previous ruler, and try to put his own mark on the nation. But before the people could get used to the new regime he too would be gone, leaving behind half-finished projects. On the other hand, here is a nation that God blesses. This nation is blessed with a long reign of a just and wise king, who has time to put in place schemes which come to maturity and bring peace, stability, and prosperity to a nation. He forms wise alliances with neighbouring counties and encourages production of goods and negotiates trade agreements. The country is blessed through the long term policies of its ruler. A wise man in a position of authority, one who is obedient to conscience brings blessing not only on himself, but on those under his authority, those who come under our influence.