Proverbs 28:12 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

When righteous men rejoice Are encouraged and promoted to places of trust and power; there is great glory In that commonwealth. The state of that kingdom is honourable, comfortable and safe, so that good men can show their faces with courage and confidence; but when the wicked rise Are advanced to honour and authority; a man is hidden The state of that nation is so shameful and dangerous, that wise and good men withdraw themselves into obscure places. Or, as יחפשׂ אדם is rendered by many, both ancient and later interpreters, a man is sought out, that is, sober and good men, who had retired into secret places, are searched for and brought forth as sheep to the slaughter, as being most suspected, hated, and feared by bloody tyrants.