Proverbs 14:28

Modern

A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

Traditional

In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

Literal

In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, and in a lack of people is the ruin of a prince.

Latin

In multitudine populi dignitas regis, et in paucitate plebis ignominia principis.

Hebrew

English

A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

A king's success is shown by the well-being and growth of the people, not by wealth or military victory.

1 Kings 4:20–21
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.
2 Kings 13:7
Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing.
Exodus 1:22
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.”
Exodus 1:12
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.
2 Kings 10:32–33
In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory
1 Kings 20:27
The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.