Proverbs 28:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

When righteous {H6662} men do rejoice {H5970}, there is great {H7227} glory {H8597}: but when the wicked {H7563} rise {H6965}, a man {H120} is hidden {H2664}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the just are triumphant, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked rise up, people hide.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:12 presents a profound antithesis, illustrating the starkly contrasting societal atmospheres that arise from the prominence of either righteous or wicked individuals. It reveals that when those who uphold justice and integrity flourish, a community experiences widespread joy, honor, and public flourishing, indicative of a well-ordered society. Conversely, when corrupt or ungodly individuals ascend to power, the result is an environment of fear, oppression, and insecurity, forcing people into concealment and suppressing public life. The verse thus serves as a timeless commentary on the critical impact of moral character, particularly in leadership, on the well-being and freedom of a populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings, primarily focusing on the practical implications of righteousness and wickedness in daily life, governance, and societal well-being. This chapter frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, the just with the unjust, and the wise with the foolish, often highlighting the consequences of their actions on themselves and their communities. Verse 12 fits seamlessly into this discourse, immediately following a proverb about the destructive nature of a wicked ruler ([Proverbs 28:11](/proverbs/28-11 "Proverbs 28:11 - The Rich and the Wise")) and preceding another that emphasizes the joy of a nation when the righteous triumph ([Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")). The verse serves as a powerful summary statement on the socio-political climate shaped by moral leadership, reinforcing the broader thematic emphasis on justice, integrity, and their tangible outcomes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with Yahweh and the understanding that true prosperity and societal order flow from adherence to God's moral law. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the character of a king or ruling elite directly impacted the lives of common people. A righteous king was seen as a blessing, ensuring justice, peace, and abundance, while a wicked ruler brought oppression, corruption, and instability. Public life, often centered around city gates where legal and commercial matters were conducted, would either be a place of open flourishing or a dangerous arena from which people would withdraw. The imagery of "glory" and "hidden" speaks to the very visible or invisible nature of public life under different forms of governance, reflecting the direct experience of the people under their leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes prevalent throughout the wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **societal impact of righteousness and wickedness**, demonstrating that individual moral character has profound communal consequences. When the righteous are elevated, it leads to a flourishing society where joy and honor are openly displayed, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation"). Secondly, it highlights the **critical role of leadership**, whether in government, family, or community. The moral compass of those in authority directly determines the atmosphere of freedom or fear for the populace, a principle explicitly stated in [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - The People Rejoice or Mourn"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **divine justice and retribution**, implicitly suggesting that God's favor rests upon societies led by the righteous, while His judgment (or the natural consequences of sin) brings about the chaotic conditions described when the wicked rise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6662, meaning "just; just, lawful, righteous (man)." In this context, it refers to individuals whose character and conduct align with divine and moral law, acting with integrity, fairness, and adherence to God's standards. Their presence and influence are associated with positive societal outcomes.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_):** From H8597, meaning "ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively); beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty." Here, "great glory" signifies public honor, splendor, and a visible state of well-being and celebration for the community. It implies a sense of pride, security, and open flourishing.
* **Hidden (Hebrew, _châphas'_):** From H2664, a primitive root meaning "to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e. let be sought), or mask; change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out)." In this verse, it vividly portrays a state where people are forced to withdraw, conceal themselves, or are suppressed from public view due to fear, oppression, or injustice, indicating a lack of safety and freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory":** This clause describes a societal condition characterized by the flourishing of those who live justly and uprightly. Their "rejoicing" is not merely personal happiness but a public, communal celebration that manifests as "great glory." This "glory" encompasses honor, prosperity, and a visible sense of well-being and security for the entire community, where people can live openly and without fear. It suggests a time when justice prevails, and good deeds are celebrated.
* **"but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden":** This contrasting clause depicts the dire consequences of the wicked gaining influence or power. When ungodly, corrupt individuals "rise" (ascend to prominence or authority), the atmosphere shifts dramatically. "A man is hidden" paints a picture of fear, oppression, and withdrawal. People are compelled to conceal themselves, to lie low, or are actively suppressed from public life, indicating a breakdown of justice, a pervasive sense of insecurity, and the triumph of tyranny or corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:12 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, to juxtapose two opposing scenarios and their consequences. The first half of the verse presents a positive outcome (glory and rejoicing) linked to righteousness, while the second half presents a negative outcome (hiding) linked to wickedness. This stark contrast emphasizes the profound and direct impact of moral character on societal well-being. The verse also uses powerful **Imagery**: "great glory" evokes a scene of public celebration, vibrancy, and visible honor, while "a man is hidden" conjures an image of fear, secrecy, and suppression. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the emotional and social atmosphere of each condition. Furthermore, **Synecdoche** is present in "a man is hidden," where "a man" stands in for the general populace or any individual, highlighting the pervasive nature of the fear and oppression. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about the cause-and-effect relationship between moral leadership and societal flourishing or decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on God's character as just and righteous, and His desire for His people to reflect that character in their communal life. The "great glory" that accompanies the righteous is a reflection of God's blessing upon a society that aligns with His will, fostering shalom and order. Conversely, the "hiding" that results from the rise of the wicked is a natural consequence of sin and rebellion against God's established order, leading to chaos, injustice, and human suffering. The verse reminds us that true societal flourishing is not merely economic or political, but fundamentally moral and spiritual, rooted in the character of its people and leaders.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rule Brings Joy")
* [Psalm 33:12](/psalm/33-12 "Psalm 33:12 - Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord")
* [Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:12 serves as a timeless mirror for any society, challenging us to consider the moral foundations upon which our communities are built and sustained. It compels us to recognize that the character of individuals, especially those in positions of influence, profoundly shapes the collective experience. When righteousness is valued and promoted, it cultivates an environment where truth can be spoken openly, justice can be pursued without fear, and human dignity is upheld, leading to widespread flourishing and public honor. Conversely, allowing wickedness to gain ground creates a climate of fear, distrust, and oppression, forcing people to retreat from public engagement and stifling human potential. This verse calls us to actively champion righteousness in our personal lives, our families, our workplaces, and our civic spheres, understanding that our collective well-being depends on it. It also serves as a sober warning against apathy or complicity in the face of injustice, urging us to speak up and act for truth, knowing the dire consequences when darkness prevails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I observe "great glory" or "a man is hidden" in my own community or nation today, and what moral factors contribute to these conditions?**
* **How can I, as an individual, contribute to the "rejoicing" of the righteous and stand against the "rise" of the wicked in my sphere of influence?**
* **What responsibility do I have in discerning and supporting leaders whose character promotes justice and brings about public flourishing?**

### FAQ

**What does "great glory" mean in the context of righteous men rejoicing?**

Answer: In this context, "great glory" (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh_) refers to a state of public honor, splendor, and visible flourishing for the entire community. It signifies a time when society is well-ordered, just, and prosperous, leading to open celebration and a sense of collective pride and security. It's not just personal honor, but a communal atmosphere of well-being that is evident and celebrated by all, reflecting the blessings that come from righteous living and governance, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 11:10](/proverbs/11-10 "Proverbs 11:10 - When the Righteous Prosper").

**Why is "a man hidden" when the wicked rise?**

Answer: When the wicked "rise" (Hebrew, _qûwm_), meaning they ascend to power or prominence, it creates an atmosphere of fear, oppression, and injustice. "A man is hidden" (Hebrew, _châphas_) vividly portrays people being forced to withdraw, conceal themselves, or be suppressed from public life. This can be due to tyranny, corruption, lack of safety, or the suppression of truth and dissent. It signifies a society where open living is dangerous, and individuals must seek refuge or remain unseen to protect themselves from the pervasive wickedness, contrasting sharply with the freedom and openness found under righteous rule, as implied in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous one, and the nature of His kingdom. While the proverb describes earthly realities of governance, it points to the eschatological hope of a world where true righteousness reigns. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the embodiment of all righteousness, and His coming brought the "great glory" of God into the world ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection represent the triumph of divine righteousness over all forms of wickedness. When Christ, the truly righteous King, "rose" from the dead, it ushered in an era where those who believe in Him are no longer spiritually "hidden" in sin and darkness, but are called to be [lights of the world](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You Are the Light of the World"), shining openly for God's glory. Ultimately, the full "glory" will be revealed when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more hiding, no more fear, and no more wicked rulers. Instead, the [Lamb will be the lamp](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God Lights the New Jerusalem"), and His righteous reign will bring everlasting joy and public flourishing for all who dwell in His presence ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No More Night")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:2

¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 11:10

¶ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

Proverbs 28:28

¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Esther 8:15

¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

Esther 8:17

And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Job 29:11

When the ear heard [me], then it blessed me; and when the eye saw [me], it gave witness to me:

Job 29:20

My glory [was] fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.