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Proverbs 28:12
When righteousmen do rejoice,there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

hide

Job 24:4
They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

they perish

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.

Acts 12:23,24
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…

people hide themselves
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 (1 Kings 19:3). 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.

but when they perish
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 (Exodus 14:28). The perishing of the wicked is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often pray for deliverance from evil rulers (Psalm 37:20). This phrase reassures believers of God's ultimate justice and the temporary nature of evil.

the righteous flourish
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 (2 Samuel 8:15;2 Kings 22:2). 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 (Isaiah 11:1-9). This phrase encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness, trusting in God's promise of eventual vindication and blessing.

“When the wicked come to power…” (Proverbs 28:28a) paints a picture of leadership that rejects God’s standards. Scripture consistently warns that ungodly rulers bring oppression and moral chaos.

•1 Samuel 8:18 shows Israel crying out under kings who “take” rather than serve.

• InEsther 3:6–7, Haman’s rise puts an entire nation in jeopardy.

•Psalm 12:8 notes, “The wicked wander freely when what is vile is honored among men.”

Whenever wickedness holds the reins, public policy and private life alike are bent away from righteousness.

The natural reaction to tyrannical power is withdrawal: “people hide themselves” (v. 28a).

• Elijah fled from Jezebel’s murderous rule (1 Kings 19:3–4).

• Believers inActs 8:1–3 scattered when Saul ravaged the church.

•Hebrews 11:37–38 describes saints “wandering in deserts and mountains, and hiding in caves” during seasons of persecution.

God’s people often retreat—not from cowardice, but as a means of survival and faithful witness until the storm passes.

The verse pivots: “but when they perish…” (Proverbs 28:28b). God’s justice ultimately topples wicked authorities.

• Pharaoh’s army was swept away inExodus 14:27–28.

• In2 Kings 9:33, Jezebel’s fall ends her reign of terror.

•Revelation 19:20 pictures the final destruction of the beast and false prophet.

Each example underscores that no evil regime outlasts the sovereign hand of the Lord.

“…the righteous flourish” (v. 28b) signals renewal. Once oppressive structures collapse, godly living can thrive.

• After Haman’s death,Esther 8:15–17 reports “joy and gladness” among the Jews.

•Proverbs 11:10 affirms, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.”

•Psalm 72:7 longs for a king under whom “the righteous will flourish.”

Flourishing here involves safety, freedom to worship, and opportunities to bless others—tangible evidence of God’s favor resting on His people.

Proverbs 28:28 offers a straightforward contrast: Wicked leadership drives the righteous into hiding, but God’s inevitable judgment on such rulers opens space for His people to thrive. The verse calls us to recognize the moral stakes of governance, trust God’s timing, and anticipate the day when righteousness is publicly celebrated once again.

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