What does Proverbs 28:12 mean?

Godly leadership leads to justice (Proverbs 8:14–15) and stability (Proverbs 28:2). People who live under a righteous government experience great benefits and a sense of freedom (Proverbs 11:10; 20:26; 25:5). There is a two-way interaction to this relationship: a nation that celebrates or tolerates sin is more likely to accept ungodly rulers (Proverbs 14:34; Hosea 8:4), who bring oppression and harm (Proverbs 28:28; 29:2). When immoral, evil people rise to power, their subjects lose freedom and security. The Hebrew word chaphas describes people under a wicked regime, indicating they must be "searched for:" they are in hiding. A later proverb compares evil rulers to a terror-inducing predator (Proverbs 28:15).

When Solomon reigned, he built a temple and led the nation in worship. A great celebration of praise followed (2 Chronicles 5:12–14). Godly rulers inspire their people to confidence. When wicked rulers are in charge, people try to avoid oppression. When wicked Ahab and his idolatrous wife Jezebel ruled Israel, they conducted a reign of terror. They killed many prophets and sought to do the same to Elijah. However, God protected Elijah and prepared an effective hiding place for him at the brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:1–6). Shortly after the birth of Jesus, wicked King Herod decreed the assassination of all the male children two years old and under in and around Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). However, an angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream to take baby Jesus to Egypt and stay there until further word (Matthew 2:13).