In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
In the multitude of people (is) the king's honour: but in the want of people (is) the destruction, of the prince - (2 Samuel 24:14-17.) "The king" who would have a 'numerous' and contented "people" as his "honour," must govern with equity and clemency, not with tyranny and cruelty. He must also fear the Lord, lest he bring down God's judgments on himself and his people.
`Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulated and men decay.'