Proverbs 28:28 kjv
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28:28 nkjv
When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28:28 niv
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Proverbs 28:28 esv
When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28:28 nlt
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
Proverbs 28 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 11:10 | When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish... | Rejoicing at wicked's fall |
| Prov 11:11 | By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. | Righteous exalt a city, wicked overthrow it |
| Prov 28:12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. | Parallel verse, emphasizes glory for righteous |
| Prov 29:2 | When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. | Direct contrast: righteous rule = joy, wicked = mourning |
| Prov 29:12 | If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. | Wicked leadership corrupts others |
| Psa 1:4-6 | The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away...for the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. | End of wicked, blessedness of righteous |
| Psa 10:3 | For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; he blesses the greedy and curses the LORD. | Description of wicked |
| Psa 37:10 | For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. | Wicked shall disappear |
| Psa 37:20 | But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. | Wicked consume away |
| Psa 72:7 | In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. | Righteous flourish under good rule |
| Judg 6:2 | And because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. | People hiding from oppression |
| 1 Sam 13:6 | When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait...then the people did hide themselves in caves... | People hiding from Philistine threat |
| Job 24:4 | They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together. | Poor hide from oppressors |
| Isa 32:16-17 | Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field... the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. | Righteousness brings peace and security |
| Jer 22:17 | But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. | Traits of a wicked ruler |
| Nah 3:18 | Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them. | Downfall of oppressive rulers |
| Rev 11:18 | ...and should destroy them which destroy the earth. | God's judgment on those who harm |
| Dan 2:44 | And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed...it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms... | Divine kingdom replaces wicked ones |
| Mt 5:6 | Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. | Blessedness of righteousness |
| Rom 13:3-4 | For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil... for he is the minister of God to thee for good. | Righteous rule brings order, not terror |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. | Conditions for flourishing due to righteousness |
Proverbs 28 verses
Proverbs 28 28 Meaning
Proverbs 28:28 contrasts two societal conditions based on the nature of leadership. When wicked individuals assume positions of power and authority, fear and oppression compel people to seek refuge or concealment, disrupting normal life and public flourishing. Conversely, when these wicked rulers are removed or overthrown, justice and peace return, allowing the righteous to emerge, thrive, and multiply their influence and presence in society, indicating a state of well-being and open contribution.
Proverbs 28 28 Context
Proverbs chapter 28 frequently contrasts the character and fate of the righteous and the wicked, often in the context of leadership, justice, and societal impact. This particular verse reflects the historical and cultural reality of ancient Israel and the wider Ancient Near East, where the welfare of a nation was intimately tied to the moral and spiritual quality of its rulers. When a king or magistrate was wicked, marked by corruption, injustice, and disregard for God's law, it created an oppressive environment where the people, particularly the innocent, felt compelled to conceal themselves for safety, disrupting commerce, agriculture, and daily life. Conversely, the downfall or removal of such wicked leadership was viewed as a liberating event, allowing for the restoration of justice and public order, enabling the righteous, those who feared God and sought to live uprightly, to thrive openly.
Proverbs 28 28 Word analysis
- When the wicked rise (בְּקוּם רְשָׁעִים - bə·qūm rə·šā·‘îm):
- wicked (רְשָׁעִים - rəšā‘îm): Plural of rāšā‘, denoting those who are unrighteous, impious, guilty, and actively disregard God's law and justice. Their actions are characterized by opposition to God's ways, often resulting in oppression and harm to others.
- rise (קוּם - qūm): To stand up, arise, be established, or ascend to power. It signifies the wicked gaining prominence, authority, or dominion within society.
- people hide themselves (יַחְבֹּא אָדָם - yaḥ·bō ’ā·ḏām):
- hide themselves (חָבָא - ḥābā’): To hide, conceal, or take refuge. This suggests a state of fear, insecurity, and oppression, where individuals feel unsafe in public life and withdraw from open engagement due to arbitrary rule, injustice, or violence perpetuated by the wicked. It implies a society under tyranny.
- people (אָדָם - ’ādām): Humanity, man; often used generically to refer to people in general.
- but when they perish (וּבְאָבְדָם - ūvə·’āḇ·ḏām):
- perish (אָבַד - ’āḇaḏ): To be lost, destroyed, ruined, or come to an end. In this context, it refers to the downfall, removal from power, or complete destruction of the wicked rulers. This often implies a just judgment or a change in circumstances that renders their power ineffective.
- the righteous flourish (צַדִּיק יִרְבֶּה - ṣad·dîq yir·beh):
- righteous (צַדִּיק - ṣaddîq): Plural of ṣaddîq, referring to those who are just, innocent, in right standing with God, and who live in accordance with His moral and legal principles.
- flourish (רָבָה - rāḇāh): To be numerous, great, multiply, increase, or abound. It signifies a period where the righteous can thrive, grow in number and influence, enjoy peace, practice justice openly, and contribute to the well-being of society without hindrance or fear.
Words-Group Analysis
- "When the wicked rise, people hide themselves": This phrase paints a vivid picture of a society living under oppressive rule. The ascent of wicked leaders creates an atmosphere of terror, where ordinary people, especially the just, are forced to abandon their normal routines, fearing arbitrary punishment, exploitation, or violence. Public life shrinks, and safety is found in concealment, signifying a breakdown of justice and order.
- "but when they perish, the righteous flourish": This directly contrasts the former condition, presenting a hopeful outcome. The downfall of the wicked leadership (whether by divine intervention, natural consequence, or human action aligned with God's will) ushers in an era of restoration. The removal of oppression allows the righteous – those who uphold justice, integrity, and faith – to come out from hiding, prosper, and grow in every aspect. This signifies the re-establishment of a society where goodness and justice are openly practiced and encouraged.
Proverbs 28 28 Bonus section
This proverb highlights a key theme in biblical wisdom: the consequences of actions, particularly those of leaders. It underscores the connection between national welfare and moral integrity at the top. The "hiding" of people under wicked rule signifies more than physical concealment; it represents a suppression of truth, justice, and the ability to live according to God's commands without persecution. Conversely, the "flourishing" of the righteous indicates not just their individual well-being but the widespread prevalence and multiplication of their godly influence, leading to societal peace, prosperity, and joy (as echoed in Prov 29:2). It implicitly encourages prayer for righteous rulers and reinforces faith in God's eventual triumph over injustice.
Proverbs 28 28 Commentary
Proverbs 28:28 encapsulates a foundational principle of divine governance: the moral character of leadership directly impacts a society's well-being. Wicked rulers sow seeds of fear and injustice, leading to social collapse, forcing the upright into obscurity or defensive withdrawal. This oppression hinders natural growth and prosperity. Conversely, the removal of such tyranny allows for societal renewal. When justice is re-established, those who are righteous are empowered to emerge, exercise their virtues, and contribute positively, fostering an environment of true flourishing. This verse serves as both a warning against corrupt leadership and an affirmation of God's eventual vindication of the righteous, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty over earthly powers.