Proverbs 28:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

When righteous men do rejoice (prosper), there is great glory. All things are in great glory, the worship of God, justice, order, joyful contentment, and peace flourish (Esther 8:15-17).

But when the wicked rise (are exalted), a man is hidden. Men hide themselves (Proverbs 28:28; Proverbs 29:2; Proverbs 11:10) - namely, through fear of oppression, instead of the "glory" of a flourishing population. The good especially, who are the true "glory" of a state, are "hidden" "when the wicked rise" (1 Kings 17:2-3; 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:1-6).

Proverbs 28:12

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.b