Proverbs 28:12
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the righteous triumph
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which refers to those who are just, ethical, and in right standing with God. In the context of ancient Israel, righteousness was not merely a personal moral quality but a communal one, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with His people. The triumph of the righteous signifies a time when God's justice and order are visibly upheld in society. Historically, this would have been seen as a time of peace and prosperity, aligning with the blessings promised in the Mosaic Covenant for obedience.

there is great glory
The term "glory" in Hebrew is "kabod," which can mean honor, abundance, or splendor. This phrase suggests that when those who live according to God's laws succeed, it brings about a state of communal well-being and divine favor. The glory here is not just for the individuals but for the community as a whole, reflecting God's presence and blessing. In a historical context, this could be seen in times when Israel was faithful to God and experienced national prosperity and peace.

but when the wicked rise
The word "wicked" is translated from the Hebrew "rasha," indicating those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. The rise of the wicked implies a period when those who oppose God's ways gain power or influence. This is often associated with societal decay, injustice, and suffering. In the biblical narrative, the rise of the wicked is frequently a result of Israel's disobedience and turning away from God, leading to divine judgment.

men hide themselves
The act of hiding suggests fear, oppression, and the absence of safety. In ancient times, when wicked rulers or individuals gained power, it often led to persecution and the suppression of righteousness. This phrase captures the idea that under wicked leadership, people are forced to conceal their faith and righteous actions to avoid persecution. It reflects a time of moral and spiritual darkness, where the righteous are marginalized and must seek refuge.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous
Those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, seeking to honor Him in their actions and decisions.

2. The Wicked
Individuals who act in opposition to God's commands, often causing harm and injustice.

3. Triumph of the Righteous
A situation where those who are righteous experience success or victory, leading to a positive impact on society.

4. Rise of the Wicked
A scenario where those who are wicked gain power or influence, resulting in fear and oppression.

5. Men Hiding
The reaction of people when the wicked are in power, indicating fear and a desire to avoid confrontation or harm.
Teaching Points
The Impact of Righteous Leadership
Righteous leaders bring about positive change and glory, creating an environment where people can thrive.

The Consequences of Wickedness
When wicked individuals gain power, it leads to fear and oppression, causing people to withdraw and hide.

The Role of the Community
The community's response to leadership reflects the moral and spiritual climate; support righteous leaders and resist wickedness.

God's Justice and Timing
Trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He will exalt the righteous and bring down the wicked in His perfect timing.

Personal Responsibility
Each believer is called to live righteously, contributing to the triumph of good over evil in their sphere of influence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we, as individuals, contribute to the triumph of the righteous in our communities?

2. What are some practical ways to support and encourage righteous leadership in various areas of life?

3. How does the fear of wickedness manifest in today's society, and how can Christians respond biblically?

4. In what ways can we trust in God's justice when we see the wicked prospering temporarily?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in Proverbs 28:12?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 11:10
This verse also contrasts the joy of the righteous with the downfall of the wicked, emphasizing the communal impact of both.

Psalm 37:34
Encourages believers to wait on the Lord and keep His way, promising that the righteous will be exalted while the wicked are cut off.

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
Discusses the ultimate fate of the wicked versus the righteous, reinforcing the idea that righteousness leads to a better outcome.

Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus speaks about believers being the light of the world, which aligns with the idea of the righteous bringing glory and positive influence.

1 Peter 3:12
Highlights God's favor towards the righteous and His opposition to those who do evil, supporting the theme of divine justice.
The Source of Disturbance and the Secret of SecurityW. Clarkson Proverbs 28:1, 13, 25
The Moral Quality of LifeE. Johnson Proverbs 28:6-12
Hidden ManhoodW. Clarkson Proverbs 28:12, 28
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abundant, Apprehensive, Conceal, Elation, Evil-doers, Exult, Exulting, Glory, Hidden, Hide, Hiding, Lifted, Power, Rejoice, Righteous, Rise, Rising, Sought, Themselves, Triumph, Upright, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 28:12

     5457   power, human

Library
Two Coverings and Two Consequences
A Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Right Kind of Fear
A Sermon (No. 2971) published on Thursday, January 18th, 1906, delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 1876. "Happy is the man that feareth alway."--Proverbs 28:14. But did not John say that "fear hath torment?" Then how can he be happy who hath fear, and especially he who hath it always. Did not John also say that "perfect love casteth out fear?" How is it then that he is happy in whom love is not made perfect, if so be that the fear
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins",
1 John i. 9.--"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins", &c. The current of sin dries not up, but runs constantly while we are in this life. It is true, it is much diminished in a believer, and it runs not in such an universal flood over the whole man as it is in the unbeliever. Yet there is a living spring of sin within the godly, which is never ceasing to drop out pollution and defilement, either upon their whole persons, or, at least, to intermingle it with their
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xxv. To Gregoria.
To Gregoria. Gregory to Gregoria, Lady of the Bed-chamber (cubiculariæ) to Augusta. I have received the longed for letters of your Sweetness, in which you have been at pains all through to accuse yourself of a multitude of sins: but I know that you fervently love the Almighty Lord, and I trust in His mercy that the sentence which was pronounced with regard to a certain holy woman proceeds from the mouth of the Truth with regard to you: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven her, for she loved
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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