What does Proverbs 28:28 mean?
ESV: When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
NIV: When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
NASB: When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
CSB: When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.
NLT: When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
KJV: When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
NKJV: When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Verse Commentary:
Prior lessons noted that when evil people come to power, it drives their subjects to hide (Proverbs 28:2, 4, 12, 15–16). That might not mean cowering underground, literally, but it can include fear of speaking or acting. The less a culture follows righteousness, the fewer good examples are seen, so the descent into sin accelerates (Proverbs 14:34; 29:18). Wicked rulers see their roles as a means to power and wealth (Proverbs 22:16, 22; 31:9). Godly leaders seek to honor the Lord and serve their people (Proverbs 16:12; 20:26; 29:4).
The reign of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25) caused God's prophets to go into hiding (1 Kings 18:4). It was a reign of terror. However, this verse presents a vivid contrast. When those wicked oppressors die, righteous people no longer hide; they increase, literally, "become great." They celebrate the demise of the wicked rulers (Proverbs 11:10), and they thrive. They come out of hiding and become prosperous.
This pattern even applies to the end times. The tribulation period will see the rise of two beasts: one political (Revelation 13:1–4), the other religious (Revelation 13:11–18). Their evil influence covers a wide area, and the beasts force people to serve them under penalty of death (Revelation 13:5–10). When Jesus judges them and seizes control of earth, He will reign in righteousness for a thousand years, and people will thrive during those peaceful times (Revelation 20:1–6).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 28:13–28 features several lessons about generosity and greed. The passage also notes the importance of integrity and honesty. Some proverbs contained here combine these ideas, speaking of work ethic, fairness, care for the poor, and so forth.
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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