What does Proverbs 28:12 mean?
ESV: When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
NIV: When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
NASB: When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
CSB: When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
NLT: When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
KJV: When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
NKJV: When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
Verse Commentary:
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).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 28:1–12 uses multiple contrasts. These teach lessons about righteousness and justice, honesty, integrity, reputation, and culture. Many of the proverbs are structured to directly compare two opposite ideas.
Chapter Summary:
This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.
Chapter Context:
This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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