Proverbs 28:28

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Proverbs 28:28 in Other Translations

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

28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

28 When corruption takes over, good people go underground, but when the crooks are thrown out, it's safe to come out.

28 When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.

Proverbs 28:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:28

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves
When wicked men are raised to places of power and authority, rich men hide themselves, lest they should become a prey to them; and good men hide themselves, that they may not be put to death by them; or as ashamed to behold their evil actions; (See Gill on Proverbs 28:12); but when they perish;
wicked men, either by a natural or violent death; or perish as to their authority and power, being turned out of their places: the righteous increase;
such who before hid themselves appear, and, being put into the places of the wicked, encourage truth and righteousness, by which means the number of good men is multiplied; and which is a great happiness to a nation, and shows the usefulness and advantage that good magistrates are of unto it.

Proverbs 28:28 In-Context

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Cross References

• 1. S ver 12; S Job 20:19