Proverbs 28:28

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

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 He who trusts in his own mind is a fool; but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

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