{"id":43461,"date":"2024-09-28T12:59:04","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T09:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=43461"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:38:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:38:39","slug":"what-does-proverbs-2828-mean-when-the-wicked-arise-men-hide-themselves-but-when-they-perish-the-righteous-increase-nkjv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2024\/09\/28\/what-does-proverbs-2828-mean-when-the-wicked-arise-men-hide-themselves-but-when-they-perish-the-righteous-increase-nkjv\/","title":{"rendered":"What does Proverbs 28:28 mean \u2013 \u201cWhen the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase\u201d (NKJV)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

ANSWER<\/strong>: This proverb communicates a profound spiritual truth about the impact of leadership and societal morality. When wicked individuals rise to power\u2014whether in political, religious, or social spaces\u2014those who are righteous often go into hiding. It’s not always a physical disappearance, but rather a withdrawal from public visibility or influence due to oppression, fear, or marginalization.<\/p>\n

This concept is vividly illustrated in the Bible during the reign of King Ahab<\/strong> and Queen Jezebel<\/strong> (1 Kings 16\u201321). Ahab, under Jezebel’s influence, led Israel into deep idolatry, including the worship of Baal. Jezebel orchestrated the killing of God\u2019s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), and many of the faithful were forced to hide. The prophet Elijah<\/strong>, overwhelmed and discouraged, felt utterly alone in his faithfulness:<\/p>\n

\u201cLORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.\u201d<\/em> (Romans 11:3, NKJV; citing 1 Kings 19:10)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

However, God\u2019s response reveals a deeper theological reality:<\/p>\n

\u201cI have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.\u201d<\/em> (Romans 11:4, NKJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This shows that even in times of great spiritual darkness, God preserves a faithful remnant<\/strong>\u2014a theme repeated throughout Scripture (see Isaiah 1:9, Romans 9:27).<\/p>\n

In our modern world, we see parallels: wickedness is often celebrated in media, politics, and even some religious circles. True holiness and righteousness can feel rare, and those who live by God\u2019s standards may feel isolated. But we must remember that visibility is not always the measure of presence<\/strong>. Just as God had hidden His faithful ones in Elijah\u2019s time, He still preserves His people today.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.\u201d<\/em> (2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The latter part of Proverbs 28:28 is a message of hope and future restoration<\/strong>: \u201cBut when they perish, the righteous increase.\u201d<\/em> When God judges and removes the wicked, righteousness is no longer suppressed\u2014it flourishes. This points toward both historical moments of revival and the ultimate future kingdom of Christ<\/strong>, where:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 37:11, NKJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus echoed this in the Beatitudes:<\/p>\n

\u201cBlessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 5:5, NKJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Encouragement for Today:<\/h3>\n

If you are striving to live a godly life\u2014whether through modesty, sexual purity, honesty, or devotion\u2014yet feel alone, remember: you are not alone<\/strong>. God has always had a remnant. Your obedience is not in vain. Continue walking boldly in your faith, knowing that:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.\u201d<\/em> (John 1:5, NKJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A time will come when the influence of the wicked will cease, and the righteousness of God’s people will shine like the dawn (Proverbs 4:18). Don\u2019t follow the crowd. Don\u2019t be discouraged by the noise of evil. God sees, and He will exalt the righteous in His time.<\/p>\n

Proverbs 28:28<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWhen the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.\u201d<\/em> (NKJV)<\/p>\n

May the Lord bless you and keep you steadfast in these last days.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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