Proverbs 28:16

The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, ¹  but the one who hates ²  unjust gain will prolong his days.

A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes.

Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright.

The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, ¹  but the one who hates ²  unjust gain will prolong his days.

¹ tn Heb “A prince lacking of understanding [is] also a great oppressor” (both KJV, ASV similar) The last clause, “and a great oppressor,” appears to modify “the prince.” There is little difference in meaning, only in emphasis. The LXX has “lacks income” (reading תְּבוּאוֹת [tÿvu’ot] instead of תְּבוּנוֹת [tÿvunot]). C. H. Toy (Proverbs [ICC], 501) suggests deleting the word for “prince” altogether, but this emendation is gratuitous.

² tc This follows the Qere reading of the participle which is singular (as opposed to the plural). The implication is that this one is also a ruler, paralleling the first half. But since he “hates” (= rejects) unjust gain he will extend [his] days, meaning he will enjoy a long and happy life (cf. NIV, NRSV, CEV).