Proverbs 28:28

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

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 The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27 The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.

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

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 28:12; 29:2