What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:12?

When the righteous triumph

• “When the righteous triumph…” (Proverbs 28:12) pictures godly people gaining positions of influence or winning a public victory.

• Scripture consistently links righteous leadership with blessing: “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2); “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices” (Proverbs 11:10).

• Triumph for the righteous flows from God’s favor, not mere human skill (Psalm 75:6-7). It testifies that “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34).

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there is great glory

• The result of righteous victory is “great glory”—public celebration and honor.

– Joy spreads throughout the community (Nehemiah 12:43).

– God Himself receives glory as justice and truth shine (Isaiah 60:1-3).

• People feel secure under upright leadership, just as Israel rejoiced when David defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:52).

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but when the wicked rise

• “But when the wicked rise…” warns that ungodly power is equally possible. Proverbs repeats the danger: “When the wicked rise, men hide themselves” (Proverbs 28:28).

• Wicked ascendency brings moral confusion: “The wicked freely strut when what is vile is honored” (Psalm 12:8).

• God allows such seasons as part of His sovereign plan, yet He never condones evil (Habakkuk 1:13).

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men hide themselves

• Under wicked rulers, people withdraw—physically, emotionally, spiritually.

– Elijah hid from Ahab (1 Kings 19:3).

– Gideon threshed wheat in a winepress to escape Midianite oppression (Judges 6:11).

• Fear replaces celebration; oppression silences public life (Micah 3:1-4).

• Hiding also reflects a spiritual effect: light is suppressed, and darkness is preferred (John 3:19-20).

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summary

Proverbs 28:12 teaches a clear contrast. Righteous leadership brings open, shared glory that lifts a whole community, while wicked rule drives people into fearful hiding. The verse encourages believers to pursue and support godliness in every sphere, confident that God honors the righteous and ultimately exposes and topples evil.