Proverbs 29:16

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

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) But the righteous shall see their fall with joy (Psalm 54:7), having long expected it (ibid, Psalm 73:18, sqq.).

Benson Commentary

Proverbs 29:16. When the wicked are multiplied — Or rather, are advanced, or in authority, as the word ברבות, is understood, Proverbs 29:2; transgression increaseth — Sin and sinners abound, and grow impudent by impunity, and the example and encouragement of such rulers. But the righteous shall see their fall — The destruction of such transgressors in due time.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

29:11. He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. 12. One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. 13. Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. 14. The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. 15. Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. 16. Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. 17. Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. 18. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Left to himself - The condition of one who has been pampered and indulged. The mother who yields weakly is as guilty of abandoning the child she spoils, as if she cast him forth; and for her evil neglect, there shall fall upon her the righteous punishment of shame and ignominy.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).

shall see … fall—and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Are multiplied; or rather, are advanced, because this is opposed to their

falling in the next clause; and so this Hebrew word is taken above, Proverbs 29:2.

Transgression increaseth; sin and sinners abound and grow impudent by impunity, and the example and encouragement of such rulers.

Their fall; the destruction of such transgressors in due time.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

When the wicked are multiplied,.... Or "are in authority" (r); as the word is rendered, Proverbs 29:2;

transgression increaseth; among the common people, being encouraged by their wicked rulers, whose examples they follow; or as the wicked themselves increase, in numbers, in age, in power, and riches, their sins increase too;

but the righteous shall see their fall, from their places of authority and power, of honour, riches, and grandeur, into a low and despicable condition, into ruin and destruction; and that with pleasure, because of the glory of God, his wisdom, justice, truth, and faithfulness, displayed therein; see Psalm 58:10.

(r) "dominantibus impiis"; some in Mercerus; "quum praesunt impii", Tigurine version.

Geneva Study Bible

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

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16. are multiplied] “Or, are in authority,” R.V. marg. See Proverbs 29:2, note.

shall see] shall look upon, R.V., with thoughtful satisfaction. Comp. Psalm 37:34; Psalm 112:8.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth. The verb rabah is used in both parts of the sentence, and should have been so translated, When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth. Septuagint, "When the godless are many, sins become many." Where the wicked get the upper hand in a community, their evil example is copied, and a lowering of moral tone and a general laxity in conduct prevail (see on ver. 12: comp. also ver. 2; Proverbs 28:12, 28). But the righteous shall see their fall. Retribution shall overtake them, and God's justice shall be vindicated. This the righteous shall witness, and shall rejoice in the vengeance, when his eye shall see its desire upon his enemies (Psalm 54:7; see also Psalm 37:34; Psalm 73:17, etc.). Septuagint (punctuating differently), "But when they (the godless) fall, the righteous become fearful (κατάφοβοι);" they are awestruck at the sudden and grievous fall of sinners. Proverbs 29:16

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

16 When the godless increase, wickedness increaseth;

     But the righteous shall see their fall.

The lxx translation is not bad: πολλῶν ὄντων ἀσεβῶν πολλαὶ γίνονται ἁμαρτίαι (vid., regarding רבה, Proverbs 29:2, Proverbs 28:28); but in the main it is only a Binsenwahrheit, as they say in Swabia, i.e., a trivial saying. The proverb means, that if among a people the party of the godless increases in number, and at the same time in power, wickedness, i.e., a falling away into sins of thought and conduct, and therewith wickedness, prevails. When irreligion and the destruction of morals thus increase, the righteous are troubled; but the conduct of the godless carries the judgment in itself, and the righteous shall with joy perceive, in the righteous retribution of God, that the godless man will be cast down from his power and influence. This proverb is like a motto to Psalm 12:1-8.