Proverbs 14:28 states: "In the multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince."
This verse highlights the importance of a strong and numerous population for a ruler's success and the stability of their kingdom. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"In the multitude of people is the king's glory": A king's strength, reputation, and power are directly tied to the size and prosperity of his population. A large population suggests:
Economic strength: More people mean more labor, more production, and greater wealth for the kingdom.
Military strength: A larger pool of potential soldiers makes the kingdom more secure and deter potential aggressors.
Wider influence: A larger kingdom often wields more influence in regional and international affairs.
Popular support: A happy and growing population generally indicates the ruler is doing a good job and enjoys the people's favor.
"But in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince": Conversely, a dwindling or sparse population spells disaster for the ruler and their kingdom. This can be due to:
Weakness and vulnerability: A small population means a small army, making the kingdom vulnerable to attack.
Economic decline: Fewer workers lead to lower productivity and economic hardship.
Lack of influence: A small, weak kingdom is easily ignored or dominated by others.
Unrest and rebellion: A declining population might indicate poor governance, leading to discontent and potential uprisings.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that a ruler's success is inextricably linked to the welfare and growth of their people. A thriving population is a sign of a strong and successful ruler, while a declining population signals weakness and impending downfall.
Proverbs 14:28 states: "In the multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince."
This verse highlights the importance of a strong and numerous population for a ruler's success and the stability of their kingdom. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"In the multitude of people is the king's glory": A king's strength, reputation, and power are directly tied to the size and prosperity of his population. A large population suggests:
Economic strength: More people mean more labor, more production, and greater wealth for the kingdom.
Military strength: A larger pool of potential soldiers makes the kingdom more secure and deter potential aggressors.
Wider influence: A larger kingdom often wields more influence in regional and international affairs.
Popular support: A happy and growing population generally indicates the ruler is doing a good job and enjoys the people's favor.
"But in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince": Conversely, a dwindling or sparse population spells disaster for the ruler and their kingdom. This can be due to:
Weakness and vulnerability: A small population means a small army, making the kingdom vulnerable to attack.
Economic decline: Fewer workers lead to lower productivity and economic hardship.
Lack of influence: A small, weak kingdom is easily ignored or dominated by others.
Unrest and rebellion: A declining population might indicate poor governance, leading to discontent and potential uprisings.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that a ruler's success is inextricably linked to the welfare and growth of their people. A thriving population is a sign of a strong and successful ruler, while a declining population signals weakness and impending downfall.