


Proverbs 28:12
Bible Versions
¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
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.
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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.
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
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: