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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/28-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_28_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 28:28 - The Boldness of the Righteous" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/28-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/28-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm" title="Proverbs 28:27">◄</a> Proverbs 28:28 <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm" title="Proverbs 29:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase <i>and</i> become great.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When crooks are in control, everyone tries to hide, but when they lose power, good people are everywhere. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When wicked people rise, people hide. When they die, righteous people increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked rise to power, people hide themselves, but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked gain control, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A man is hidden in the rising of the wicked, "" And the righteous multiply in their destruction!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the righteous multiply!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the rising up of the unjust, man shalt hide: and in their perishing, the lust shall increase.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise up, men shall hide themselves: when they perish, the just shall be multiplied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked prevail, people hide; but at their fall the just abound. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked prevail, people go into hiding; but when they perish, the righteous increase.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In the rise of the evil a son of man is hidden, and in their destruction the righteous will be multiplied. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In the places of ungodly <i>men</i> the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5913" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">When the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: bə·qūm (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">come to power,</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: yis·sā·ṯêr (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">hide themselves;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: ū·ḇə·’ā·ḇə·ḏām (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">but when they perish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yir·bū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">flourish.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Proverbs 11:10</a></span><br />When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16</a></span><br />When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-8.htm">Psalm 12:8</a></span><br />The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a></span><br />Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Psalm 58:10-11</a></span><br />The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. / Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/75-10.htm">Psalm 75:10</a></span><br />“All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Psalm 82:5</a></span><br />They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Isaiah 32:5-8</a></span><br />No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected. / For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. / The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-12.htm">Isaiah 60:12</a></span><br />For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-10.htm">Daniel 12:10</a></span><br />Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Matthew 13:41-43</a></span><br />The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. / And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. / Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-25.htm">Luke 6:25</a></span><br />Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.</p><p class="hdg">the wicked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12</a></b></br> When righteous <i>men</i> do rejoice, <i>there is</i> great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a></b></br> When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.</p><p class="hdg">hide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-4.htm">Job 24:4</a></b></br> They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.</p><p class="hdg">they perish</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Acts 12:23,24</a></b></br> 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… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-25.htm">Overtakes</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/2-21.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/songs/5-7.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Overtakes</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-31.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-31.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the wicked come to power</b><br>This phrase highlights the impact of unrighteous leadership on society. In biblical history, wicked rulers often led to oppression and fear among the people. For example, during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, the prophets and faithful Israelites had to hide to avoid persecution (<a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a>). The wickedness of leaders can lead to societal corruption and moral decay, as seen in the time of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>).<p><b>people hide themselves</b><br>The act of hiding signifies fear and self-preservation. In times of oppressive rule, the righteous often retreat to avoid persecution. This is seen in the life of Elijah, who hid from Jezebel's wrath (<a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3</a>). The hiding of the people can also symbolize the suppression of truth and justice, as the wicked suppress righteousness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of light versus darkness, where evil seeks to extinguish the light of truth.<p><b>but when they perish</b><br>The demise of the wicked is often portrayed in Scripture as a divine act of justice. The fall of tyrants like Pharaoh, who oppressed the Israelites, demonstrates God's intervention in human affairs to bring about justice (<a href="/exodus/14-28.htm">Exodus 14:28</a>). The perishing of the wicked is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often pray for deliverance from evil rulers (<a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Psalm 37:20</a>). This phrase reassures believers of God's ultimate justice and the temporary nature of evil.<p><b>the righteous flourish</b><br>The flourishing of the righteous is a common biblical promise, indicating prosperity, peace, and the restoration of justice. This is seen in the reign of righteous kings like David and Josiah, where the nation experienced peace and prosperity (<a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15</a>; <a href="/2_kings/22-2.htm">2 Kings 22:2</a>). The flourishing of the righteous is also a foretaste of the Messianic kingdom, where Christ, the ultimate righteous ruler, will reign in justice and peace (<a href="/isaiah/11.htm">Isaiah 11:1-9</a>). This phrase encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness, trusting in God's promise of eventual vindication and blessing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Individuals who act in opposition to God's laws and principles, often causing harm or injustice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>Those who live according to God's commandments and seek to uphold justice and truth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/people.htm">People</a></b><br>The general populace who are affected by the rule of the wicked or the flourishing of the righteous.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/power.htm">Power</a></b><br>The authority or control that the wicked may gain, leading to fear and oppression.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/flourishing.htm">Flourishing</a></b><br>The prosperity and peace that come when the righteous are in positions of influence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_wickedness.htm">The Temporary Nature of Wickedness</a></b><br>Wickedness may seem powerful, but its reign is temporary. Believers should take heart in the knowledge that God’s justice will prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_righteous.htm">The Role of the Righteous</a></b><br>The righteous are called to stand firm in their faith and values, even when the wicked are in power. Their eventual flourishing is assured by God’s promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_leadership.htm">The Impact of Leadership</a></b><br>Leadership has a profound impact on society. Believers should pray for and support leaders who uphold godly principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a></b><br>When the wicked are in power, it is natural to feel fear. However, Christians are encouraged to find refuge in God and remain steadfast.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_justice.htm">Hope in God’s Justice</a></b><br>The ultimate triumph of the righteous over the wicked is a source of hope. Believers can trust in God’s timing and justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_temptation_has_overtaken_you.htm">Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_people_resist_wicked_rulers.htm">Why does 'when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding' (Proverbs 28:12) conflict with historical examples where oppressed individuals publicly resist unjust rulers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_powerful_wrongdoers_seem_unafraid.htm">How can 'the wicked flee when no one pursues' (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_profanity_biblical.htm">What consequences do the wicked face according to scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When the wicked rise, men hide themselves</span> (see ver. 12); Septuagint, "In the places of the ungodly the righteous groan." <span class="cmt_word">But when they perish, the righteous increase</span> (<a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Proverbs 11:10</a>; <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2, 16</a>). The overthrow of the ungodly adds to the prosperity of the righteous, removes an opposing element, and promotes their advancement in influence and numbers. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֭שָׁעִים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come to power,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּק֣וּם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hide themselves;</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסָּתֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sā·ṯêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but when they perish,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝בְאָבְדָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·’ā·ḇə·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּיקִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flourish.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְבּ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yir·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise men hide themselves (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 28:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>