Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 28:2

"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged." — Proverbs 28:2 (ASV)

For the transgression of a land many are the princes of it. —Compare 1 Kings 15:27 and following, and indeed the whole history of the kingdom of Israel as compared with the regular succession of the family of David in accordance with the promise of Psalm 89:33.

The state of it will be prolonged—that is, its settled condition. Or it may signify “right” (that is, authority) “continues.”