Proverbs 28:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

When the wicked {H7563} rise {H6965}, men {H120} hide {H5641} themselves: but when they perish {H6}, the righteous {H6662} increase {H7235}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the wicked rise up, people hide; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

Berean Standard Bible

When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

American Standard Version

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:28 offers a profound socio-theological observation on the direct correlation between the character of leadership and the well-being of a society. It starkly contrasts the oppressive atmosphere that forces people into concealment when the wicked ascend to power, with the flourishing and expansion of the righteous that naturally follows the downfall and removal of such corrupt authority. This proverb underscores a foundational principle of divine justice, illustrating how God's moral order ultimately ensures that righteousness will prevail and thrive when evil is subdued.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of the larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (chapters 25-29), often characterized by contrasting pairs that highlight the consequences of righteous versus wicked living. This chapter, in particular, focuses heavily on themes of justice, governance, and the impact of leadership on the populace. Verses like [Proverbs 28:12](/proverbs/28-12 "Proverbs 28:12 - When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.") and [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A wicked ruler over a poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.") directly precede and reinforce the idea that wicked rule brings distress, while righteous governance brings peace and prosperity. The immediate literary flow sets up a series of observations about societal dynamics under different moral leaderships, with this verse serving as a powerful summary statement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the king or ruler was seen as the embodiment of justice and order, or conversely, chaos and oppression. The stability and prosperity of a nation were often directly tied to the moral character and administrative policies of its leadership. When rulers were wicked, they often engaged in bribery, extortion, and arbitrary decrees, leading to widespread fear, economic instability, and a breakdown of social trust. People would literally "hide themselves" to avoid unjust taxation, forced labor, or arbitrary punishment. Conversely, the removal of such tyranny, whether through divine intervention, rebellion, or natural death, was a cause for immense relief and allowed for a return to normalcy, justice, and the flourishing of honest endeavors. The proverb reflects the lived experience of communities under varying forms of governance, emphasizing the profound impact of those in power.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes found throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **impact of leadership**, demonstrating that the moral quality of those in authority directly shapes the societal environment—either fostering fear and oppression or enabling freedom and prosperity. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine justice**, conveying an underlying conviction that God's moral order will ultimately prevail, ensuring that the reign of the wicked is temporary and their downfall inevitable, as seen in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered."). Thirdly, it speaks to the **flourishing of the righteous**, asserting that when oppressive forces are removed, those who live justly and uprightly are able to thrive, multiply, and contribute positively to society, reflecting the promise of blessing for obedience found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From H7563, this term denotes someone morally wrong, an actively bad person, often translated as "ungodly" or "guilty." In the context of leadership, it refers to those whose actions are characterized by injustice, corruption, and a disregard for God's law and the well-being of their subjects. Their "rise" signifies their ascent to power and authority.
* **hide (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** From H5641, this primitive root means "to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively." It vividly portrays a state of fear, vulnerability, and oppression where people are compelled to conceal themselves, their activities, or their assets to escape harm, injustice, or exploitation by corrupt authorities. It implies a lack of security and freedom, forcing people into a state of covert existence.
* **increase (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From H7235, this root means "to increase (in whatever respect)," suggesting multiplication, growth, and flourishing. When the wicked "perish" (H6, _ʼâbad'_), meaning their downfall or removal from power, the righteous are free to prosper, grow in number, and exert a positive influence on society, leading to societal well-being and peace. This "increase" is not merely numerical but also qualitative, signifying their ability to thrive and openly live out their values.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the wicked rise, men hide themselves":** This clause describes the immediate and dire consequence of corrupt individuals gaining authority. The "rise" of the wicked implies their establishment in positions of power, where their inherent moral depravity translates into oppressive governance. As a result, "men" (referring to the general populace, H120, _ʼâdâm'_) are forced to "hide themselves." This is a powerful image of fear, insecurity, and a lack of justice, where people must withdraw from public life or conceal their activities to avoid the arbitrary cruelty or exploitation of their rulers. It paints a picture of a society living under duress.
* **"but when they perish, the righteous increase":** This contrasting clause offers a hopeful and divinely ordained outcome. The "perishing" of the wicked signifies their downfall, removal from power, or destruction, marking the end of their oppressive reign. This removal creates a vacuum that allows for the flourishing of the "righteous" (H6662, _tsaddîyq'_), those who live justly and uprightly according to God's ways. Their "increase" suggests not only a growth in their numbers but also their ability to thrive, live openly, contribute positively to the community, and exert a beneficial influence, leading to societal well-being, peace, and the restoration of justice.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the two opposing scenarios: the rise of the wicked versus their perishing, and the hiding of men versus the increase of the righteous. This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the divergent outcomes of different forms of leadership. **Metonymy** is also present, where "the wicked" and "the righteous" stand in for their respective forms of governance and their societal effects. The phrase "men hide themselves" is a vivid **hyperbole** or **metaphor** for the pervasive fear and oppression under wicked rule, suggesting a state of extreme vulnerability rather than literal physical hiding. Conversely, "the righteous increase" uses **synecdoche** to represent the flourishing and societal benefit that accrues when justice prevails. The proverb's concise, balanced structure, characteristic of wisdom literature, also lends it a memorable and authoritative tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:28 encapsulates a core biblical truth about the moral order of the cosmos and the divine preference for justice and righteousness in human affairs. It reflects the theological conviction that God is sovereign over nations and leaders, and that while evil may temporarily flourish, its reign is ultimately unsustainable and destined for collapse. This proverb serves as both a warning against corrupt leadership and a promise of hope for those who uphold God's standards. It affirms that true societal flourishing is intrinsically linked to the character of its leaders and the prevalence of righteousness among its people, demonstrating God's active involvement in the moral landscape of human history.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb holds profound relevance for individuals and societies across all generations. It calls us to be discerning about the character of those we empower, whether in government, business, or even within our own communities and families. When leadership is morally bankrupt, it creates an environment of fear, distrust, and injustice, forcing people to retreat and protect themselves. Conversely, when integrity and righteousness define those in authority, it fosters an atmosphere where truth can flourish, justice can be pursued, and individuals can thrive and contribute openly. This truth challenges us not only to pray for righteous leaders but also to embody righteousness in our own spheres of influence, understanding that our actions, however small, contribute to the moral fabric of society. It also offers a deep well of hope, reminding us that the reign of wickedness is always temporary, and God's ultimate plan is for righteousness to prevail and multiply.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you observed the "hiding" of people or the suppression of truth when wicked or corrupt leadership is in power, whether historically or in contemporary society?**
* **How does this proverb encourage us to actively seek and support righteous leadership in all areas of life, from national politics to local community organizations?**
* **What does it mean for "the righteous to increase" in your own context, and how can you contribute to that increase in your daily life?**
* **How does this proverb shape your understanding of God's sovereignty over human governments and the ultimate triumph of His justice?**

### FAQ
**Does "perish" in this verse always mean physical death for the wicked?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While physical death is certainly one way the wicked "perish," the Hebrew word H6 (ʼâbad, _ʼâbad'_) can also mean to wander away, lose oneself, fail, or be undone. In the context of rulers, it often refers to their downfall, loss of power, removal from authority, or the complete collapse of their oppressive system. It signifies the end of their ability to inflict harm and maintain their unjust reign, paving the way for a new order.

**How can the righteous "increase" if they are already righteous?**

Answer: The "increase" (H7235, _râbâh'_) of the righteous refers not only to a potential numerical growth of people who are righteous but, more importantly, to their flourishing, multiplication of influence, and ability to thrive openly. When the oppressive hand of the wicked is removed, the righteous are free to practice justice, pursue good works, and contribute positively to society without fear of reprisal. This leads to a societal environment where righteousness is encouraged, celebrated, and becomes more visible and impactful, as seen in the joy described in [Proverbs 11:10](/proverbs/11-10 "Proverbs 11:10 - When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous King, whose "rise" (resurrection and ascension) did not cause men to hide in fear, but rather invited them into the light of His saving grace, as illuminated in [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19 "John 3:19-21 - Light has come into the world"). Conversely, the "wicked" in this proverb represent the dominion of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ caused these wicked powers to "perish," disarming them and triumphing over them, as triumphantly declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him"). With the defeat of sin and death, the "righteous" – those who are declared righteous by faith in Christ – truly "increase." This increase is not merely societal but spiritual and eternal, as the church, the body of Christ, grows and multiplies, reflecting His righteousness and spreading His kingdom throughout the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Thus, Christ's reign establishes a kingdom where righteousness is the foundation, and His people are empowered to live openly and fruitfully in His light, no longer hiding from the tyranny of sin but flourishing in His liberating truth.

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.

Job 24:4

They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

Proverbs 28:12

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

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Acts 12:24

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

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.