The Impact Power Has on People (Proverbs 28:28)
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Proverbs 28:28
When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Power shapes public courage.
When evil takes the throne, windows close and witnesses whisper. The righteous go quiet, their courage buried under fear. Oppressive rule smothers what is good; it sets the moral oxygen low and makes holiness feel hazardous—like you’ve got to switch your soul to airplane mode just to stay out of trouble.
But when the wicked fall — when God fells the proud — righteousness steps back into the street and doesn’t tiptoe—it testifies. It multiplies in number, in voice, in influence. It’s like the city’s streetlights flick back on: porches glow, doors open, neighbors talk, and truth starts a choir again.
So ask yourself:
How can I use whatever authority God has entrusted to me — at home, at work, in the church — even the little keys I hold (the tone of a meeting, the rules of a group chat, the atmosphere at dinner) — to make room for righteousness to breathe, to rise, to be seen?
Let’s pray.
King Jesus, humble the proud and lift what is right. Breathe courage into Your people. Help me open windows where I lead, protect the weak with gentleness, and sing when fear says be silent. Because You rose, righteousness has room to live—make it multiply through me today. Amen.
