28:11 28:11

Proverbs 28:12

28:13 28:13

Bible Versions

¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
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}.
When the just are triumphant, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked rise up, people hide.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

Proverbs 28:12 offers a stark contrast between two societal conditions, revealing the profound impact of righteousness versus wickedness on a community. It speaks to the atmosphere and well-being of a people under different influences or leadership.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, providing practical guidance for living a life that honors God and benefits humanity. Chapters 25-29 are often attributed to King Hezekiah's scribes, who compiled additional proverbs of Solomon. This particular chapter frequently addresses themes of justice, integrity, leadership, and the consequences of both righteous and wicked behavior. Proverbs 28:12 highlights the social and political climate that results from the ascendancy of different moral characters, serving as a powerful observation on governance and community life.

Key Themes

  • The Blessing of Righteousness: When righteous individuals are prominent, in positions of influence, or simply thriving, it brings "great glory." This suggests a time of open celebration, peace, prosperity, and public well-being where people can live without fear. It reflects a society operating under just principles, leading to communal joy and honor.
  • The Curse of Wickedness: Conversely, when the wicked gain power or rise to prominence, "a man is hidden." This vivid imagery portrays a society gripped by fear, oppression, and injustice. People are forced to conceal themselves, go into hiding, or are suppressed from public life due to tyranny, corruption, or a general lack of safety. Justice itself might be hidden or suppressed.
  • Societal Impact of Leadership: The verse implicitly underscores the critical importance of moral leadership. The character of those in authority or those who hold sway directly determines the freedom, joy, or fear experienced by the populace. This principle is echoed in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 29:2, which states that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) in this context carries the sense of honor, splendor, weight, or public esteem. It implies a visible, celebrated state of affairs. The phrase "a man is hidden" uses the Hebrew verb יֻסְתָּר (yustar), derived from the root סָתַר (satar), meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." This powerfully conveys the atmosphere of oppression and fear that compels people to withdraw from public life or seek refuge.

Practical Application

Proverbs 28:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound influence individuals and leaders have on society:

  • Support Righteousness: It encourages individuals to promote and exemplify righteous living in their own lives and communities. When good people are celebrated and allowed to flourish, it creates a positive environment for all.
  • Discern Leadership: The verse calls for discernment in choosing leaders and holding them accountable. A society's well-being is intrinsically linked to the character of those in power.
  • Stand Against Injustice: When the wicked rise, it leads to suffering and oppression. This verse implicitly encourages believers not to be complicit but to stand for justice and truth, understanding the dire consequences of allowing wickedness to prevail. The principle that righteousness exalts a nation is a consistent theme throughout Proverbs.
  • Hope in God's Sovereignty: While this verse describes earthly realities, it also points to the ultimate hope found in God's righteous rule, where perfect justice will one day prevail and all hidden things will be brought to light.
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.

  • 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.
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