What does Proverbs 29:16 mean?

"Increase," in this context, refers more to a rise into power than growth in numbers. Putting evil people into power—or tolerating them as they take power—enables more and more abuse (Proverbs 28:12). When kings or government officials are immoral, they are likely to enable the same kind of immorality in the nation, itself (Proverbs 14:34). A later lesson contrasts a people who lack prophetic guidance with those who are lawful (Proverbs 29:18). Other proverbs note that those who deal in evil often meet sudden and messy ends (Proverbs 28:18, 28).

When the end happens, those who honor God and obey Him will watch the wicked receive their consequences. In every era, there has always been at least a "remnant" of godly people (Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 23:3; Romans 11:5). In the tribulation which follows the rapture of the church, wickedness will reach its highest point. World leaders intimately tied to satanic power will join forces to plunge the world into moral and spiritual darkness. Millions will join in evil practices such as idol worship and lawlessness. But ultimately God will judge the wicked leaders and their followers. Their empires will collapse, and the tribulation believers will rejoice (Revelation 18—19). The kingdom of Christ will replace the kingdom of darkness (Revelation 20:1–6).