When the wicked increase so does sin, but the righteous live to see their fall.
Solomon now takes the patient view of the wicked: When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their fall (v. 16). The long horizon is named in Proverbs 29:16.
When the wicked increase, transgression increases. When wicked men proliferate in a community, sin proliferates with them. They normalize what was once unthinkable. The whole atmosphere of the place darkens.
The verse comforts the righteous who must live through such an increase: But the righteous will see their fall. The wicked do not rise indefinitely. The righteous, holding fast through the dark season, will see the fall when it comes. Psalm 37 is the long meditation on this principle. The verse encourages patience and endurance during seasons when wickedness seems to be winning.
Proverbs 29:16
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
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Proverbs 29:16 meaning
Solomon now takes the patient view of the wicked: When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their fall (v. 16). The long horizon is named in Proverbs 29:16.
When the wicked increase, transgression increases. When wicked men proliferate in a community, sin proliferates with them. They normalize what was once unthinkable. The whole atmosphere of the place darkens.
The verse comforts the righteous who must live through such an increase: But the righteous will see their fall. The wicked do not rise indefinitely. The righteous, holding fast through the dark season, will see the fall when it comes. Psalm 37 is the long meditation on this principle. The verse encourages patience and endurance during seasons when wickedness seems to be winning.