Proverbs 29:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

NIV: When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.

NASB: When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases; But the righteous will see their downfall.

CSB: When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.

NLT: When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.

KJV: When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

NKJV: When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.

"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).

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.