Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:28, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
American Standard Version
In the multitude of people is the king's glory; But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
World English Bible version
In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
Proverbs 14:28 Meaning & Commentary
In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined. – Proverbs 14:28 (ESV)
A king is not a king without followers or an army. Imagine someone saying that a king or a ruler is powerful or influential without followers or an army. It would make no sense whatsoever. We understand that Biblical times are different from our current world and that we do not have “kings” as we understood them back in Biblical days. However, we have many “rulers” and people of authority in different spheres of society. These can be political rulers, business leaders, or anyone else with a position of influence and authority.
This verse in Proverbs 14:28 says that “In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,” – meaning that the people reflect the “glory” or the “nature” of the king. The reality is that the people reflect those who rule over them or lead them – in both a positive and negative sense: Proverbs 29:2 – When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. This verse tells us that even wicked rulers are “reflected” in their followers.
When The Bible talks about something being the glory of something else, it means that it reflects the “image” or “nature” of that other thing: 1 Corinthians 11:7 – For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
The second half of Proverbs 14:28 says, “without people, a prince is ruined.” This means that a prince is not a prince without any followers. If we broaden this concept or principle, we can say that a leader is not a leader without followers. Likewise, when people stop following or revolt against a leader, this is how or when they are toppled – or as The Bible says it, “a prince is ruined.” Leadership is simple – if you have followers, you have influence, but if you have no followers, you have no influence.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:28 to our lives?
There are a couple of ways we can apply Proverbs 14:28 to our lives. Firstly, by looking at the fruit of leadership, we can better ascertain the nature of the leader over those people. For example, if we look back at Proverbs 29:2 – we see that a wicked ruler causes people to groan. We can see this playing out in the world today.
There are wicked leaders over nations, and the people are “gowning” and despondent. We do understand that people tend to complain a lot by nature. Still, when we understand that the people under a ruler give us insights into the type of leader they are following, it gives us further insight into the leadership. We even see this play out in businesses – where, for example, an entire staff contingent may be poor at communication and getting back to people.
Then, when you dig deeper, you realize that this comes from the leader at the top who “sets” the company culture. If we are in a leadership position, we need to know and understand that what we do and who we are will reflect in our followers. This is why The Bible teaches us that people are known by their “fruit.”
Look at what Paul the apostle said: 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 – Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 : If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Paul defends his apostleship by pointing to the Corinthian Church as the “seal” of His apostleship! His life has been “imprinted” on them, and they are the fruit of his labor. We could also say that they represent or reflect the nature of Paul – they are his “glory.” So, as leaders, let us take our role and responsibility seriously and impact those we influence in a positive and godly way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, which gives us insight and wisdom. I ask that Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in my life. Please help me to lead those you have placed under my care with excellence.
Please give me the wisdom to be a good leader. Help me be a good follower who would honor You with my life. I pray this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
