Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 28:2

2 For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledg the state thereof shall be prolonged

Either 1. Together, contending for Supremacy. Or rather 2. Successively, as appears from the following clause. Their Princes are soon cut off, and other persons, and oft times persons of other Families come in their stead, which is justly threatned as a curse, because such frequent changes are seldom for the better, and commonly for the worse, and are frequently attended with Blood and slaughter, with the change▪ and subversion of Laws, with heavy Taxes and Charges, with the ruine of many Families, and with many other mischiefs.

By a wise and good man. Which may be understood either 1. Collectively for men of understanding, &c. as it is rendred in the margent; i. e. when the men or people of a Land are wise and good. Or rather 2. Singularly, and that either 1. Of a wise and righteous Prince, who by the good government of himself, and his Family, and Kingdom, by punishing and preventing the transgressions of the People, turns away Gods wrath and saves himself and People. Or 2. Of any other man of eminent Wisdom or Piety, who prevents this judgment, either by his good Counsels given to the Prince and People, and entertained by them, or by his Intercession to God; for God hath somtimes spared a People for the sake of one man, as he did Zoar for Lot, Gen. 19. 20, 21. and the Israelites for Moses, Psal. 106. 23.

The Land shall enjoy its former State and Tranquillity, and the Life of their good Prince shall be prolonged.

Marginal references: Or, by [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word] and wisdom shall they like [illegible: 1+ letters]ise be prolonged.