Proverbs 28:2 (BSB)

A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

From Proverbs 28. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 28:2

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 28:2: Note, 1. National sins bring national disorders and the disturbance of the public repose: For the transgression of a land, and a general defection from God and religion to idolatry, profaneness, or immorality, many are the princes thereof, many at the same time pretending to the sovereignty and contending for it, by which the people are crumbled into parties and factions, biting and devouring one...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 28:2: For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof,.... Either together; that is, reigning princes, such as lay claim to the crown, and usurp it; otherwise it is a happiness to a nation to have many princes of the blood, to inherit in succession, to support the crown in their family, and defend a nation, and study the good of it; but it...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 28:2: Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each. but by a man . . . prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 28:2: For the transgression of a land many [are] its princes: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge [its] state shall be prolonged. (b) The state of the commonwealth is often changed.