Proverbs 28 12

Proverbs 28:12 kjv

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Proverbs 28:12 nkjv

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

Proverbs 28:12 niv

When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

Proverbs 28:12 esv

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

Proverbs 28:12 nlt

When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 12 Meaning

When the righteous assume positions of authority or rejoice in their prosperity and upright conduct, society flourishes and there is widespread public acclaim and joy. Conversely, when the wicked gain power or thrive in their iniquity, fear grips the people, causing them to conceal themselves from oppression and injustice. The verse highlights the profound societal impact of leadership, contrasting the glory and transparency of a righteous administration with the fear and repression fostered by a wicked one.

Proverbs 28 12 Context

Proverbs chapter 28 presents a series of contrasting proverbs, typically juxtaposing the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous versus the wicked. This verse is deeply embedded in the book's overarching theme of practical wisdom for living a godly life, which extends to societal structures and leadership. It highlights the direct correlation between the moral character of those in power and the well-being of the populace. Historically, the Proverbs were wisdom imparted for the ideal functioning of Israelite society under God's law. In a context where kings and judges held significant sway, the character of rulers was paramount. The verse is a polemic against the arbitrary power and tyrannical tendencies common in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, advocating instead for rule rooted in divine righteousness.

Proverbs 28 12 Word analysis

• When (בְּ): be-, preposition "in, when, at." Indicates the condition or circumstance under which the subsequent event occurs.
• the righteous (צַדִּיקִים): tzaddiqim (plural of tzaddiq). Refers to those who are morally upright, just, and aligned with God's covenant and law. It implies integrity, equity, and fidelity. Their character directly impacts their leadership.
• triumph (בְּעָלֹץ): be'alots (form of ʿalats). Literally means "to exult, rejoice, triumph." It suggests a celebratory ascendance or a state of public flourishing when the righteous are dominant or come into power. The triumph is not just their personal success but a societal experience.
• there is great (תִּפְאָרָה): tif'arah. Means "glory, splendor, beauty, praise, adornment." It speaks to the honor and acclaim bestowed upon the righteous and the outward flourishing that results from their rule. It suggests visibility, openness, and commendation, the opposite of hiding.
• glory (תִּפְאָרָה): see above. In context, it represents not only outward show but also internal flourishing and prosperity that brings public praise and transparency.
• but (וְכָלָלָה): ve-. Conjunction, introduces the contrasting clause.
• when the wicked (רְשָׁעִים): rasha'im (plural of rasha). Refers to those who are guilty, unrighteous, defiant towards God's law, and prone to injustice and oppression.
• rise (בְּקוּם): be'qum (form of qum). Means "to rise up, stand, establish." In the context of people, especially in contrast to tzaddiqim, it refers to their ascent to power or authority, their coming into prominence.
• people (אָדָם): ʾadam. Collective noun for humanity, people in general.
• hide themselves (יִתְחַבֶּאוּ): yitḥab'u (Hithpael of ḥaba'). Reflexive form meaning "they hide themselves, conceal themselves." It vividly portrays a populace cowering in fear, seeking refuge from arbitrary power, oppression, and injustice. It implies a lack of safety, freedom, and public trust.

Words-group analysis

• When the righteous triumph, there is great glory: This phrase describes a societal state marked by transparency, peace, and prosperity, stemming from upright governance. The "triumph" signifies not merely winning an election but effective and benevolent rule. "Glory" extends to national reputation and the flourishing of public life.
• but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves: This stark contrast highlights the dire consequences of unrighteous leadership. The "rising" of the wicked leads directly to a climate of fear, distrust, and oppression, forcing the populace into concealment or disengagement to avoid harm. The "hiding" suggests an atmosphere of danger where individuals seek refuge rather than participate openly.

Proverbs 28 12 Bonus section

The Hebrew term tif'arah (glory/splendor) can also refer to an 'ornament' or 'beautiful object'. In this context, it implies that a righteous administration is an adornment to a nation, something to be publicly displayed and celebrated, much like a crown. The hiding (יִתְחַבֶּאוּ) in the Hithpael conjugation (reflexive) emphasizes that the people themselves initiate the hiding for self-preservation, reacting directly to the presence and actions of the wicked rulers. This is not simply about things becoming scarce, but a proactive response of withdrawal and self-preservation from visible danger. This proverb resonates deeply with the principle of "government of the people, by the people, for the people" where "the people" can truly thrive under righteous leadership, or be forced to recoil and hide under oppressive ones.

Proverbs 28 12 Commentary

Proverbs 28:12 serves as a foundational statement about the societal impact of moral leadership. When virtuous individuals are in power, their rule cultivates an environment of justice, stability, and public celebration. The "great glory" refers not merely to their personal honor but to the well-being and openness of the community they govern, fostering trust and widespread contentment. Their leadership invites participation and transparent operation.

Conversely, the ascendancy of the wicked introduces corruption, oppression, and insecurity. Their rule is marked by self-interest, injustice, and a disregard for divine law. Consequently, "people hide themselves," indicating a populace living in fear, deprived of justice, freedom, and the ability to live openly. This hiding can manifest in physical concealment, withdrawal from public life, or suppression of dissent, all direct results of tyrannical power. The verse emphasizes that leadership character dictates the social atmosphere: righteousness leads to freedom and flourishing; wickedness leads to fear and constraint.

Examples:

• A government where laws are justly applied and corruption is pursued results in thriving businesses, public parks, and joyful community events.
• A corrupt regime that exploits its citizens causes people to hoard resources, avoid public assembly, and fear expression.