Proverbs 28:12

“When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory, etc.] When it is well with them; when they are in prosperous circumstances; when they are countenanced and encouraged by the government under which they are; when they have the free exercise of their religion; and especially when they are advanced to places of profit, honour, and trust, which must make them cheerful and joyful; it is a glory to a land, it adds greatly to the glory of it, and a fine prospect there is of the increase and continuance of it; but when the wicked rise: to honour and dignity, and are set in high places, and are in great power and authority, which they exercise to the distress of the righteous and all good…”

“great glory--or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Pro 14:34). a man . . . hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.”

“There is great glory - Men array themselves in festive apparel, and show their joy conspicuously. A man is hidden - Better, men hide themselves, they shrink and cower for fear, and yet are hunted out. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Rejoice - Are promoted. Glory - In that common - wealth. Rise - Are advanced to authority. Hidden - Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places. Proverbs 28:14”

“28:12 When the wicked take charge: See also 28:28.”

“righteous: Pro 28:28, Pro 11:10, Pro 29:2; Ch1 15:25-28, 16:7-36, Ch1 29:20-22; Ch2 7:10, Ch2 30:22-27; Est 8:15-17; Job 29:11-20; Luk 19:37, Luk 19:38 but: Sa1 24:11; 1Kings 17:3-24, Kg1 18:13, Kg1 19:3; Ecc 10:6, Ecc 10:16; Jer 36:26; Heb 11:37, Heb 11:38 hidden: Heb. sought for, Jer 5:1 Proverbs 28:13”

“We take Pro 28:12-20 together. A proverb regarding riches closes this group, as also the foregoing is closed, and its commencement is related in form and in its contents to Pro 28:2 : 12 When righteous men triumph, the glory is great; And when the godless rise, the people are searched for. The first line of this distich is parallel with Pro 29:2; cf. Pro 11:10, Pro 11:11 : when the righteous rejoice, viz., as conquerors (cf. e.g., Psa 60:8), who have the upper hand, then תּפארת, bright prosperity, is increased; or as Fleischer, by comparison of the Arab. yawm alazynt (day of ornament = festival day), explains: so is there much festival adornment, i.e., one puts on festival clothes, signum…”