Proverbs 29:16 kjv

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

Proverbs 29:16 nkjv

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

Proverbs 29:16 niv

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

Proverbs 29:16 esv

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

Proverbs 29:16 nlt

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

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 16 Meaning

When wicked individuals rise to prominence, multiply, or gain influence, society experiences a proportional increase in lawlessness and moral corruption. However, the Lord's justice ensures that those who follow His ways will ultimately witness the decline, defeat, or destruction of the wicked. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of leadership (or prevalent societal influence) and the moral state of the populace, asserting divine retribution against unrighteousness.

Proverbs 29 16 Context

Proverbs chapter 29 continues to explore the impact of a ruler's character and discipline on a nation, and broadly, the contrasting paths of the righteous and the wicked. Verse 16 specifically addresses the societal outcome when the wicked gain influence. It forms part of a collection of Solomonic proverbs (likely edited and compiled by later sages) that frequently contrast the wise and foolish, righteous and wicked, to guide listeners towards a life that honors God and promotes societal well-being. The historical context reflects a monarchical society where the king's piety (or lack thereof) profoundly affected the moral climate and fate of the kingdom. The chapter emphasizes how a just king establishes order (v.4) while a wicked one destroys it. This verse serves as a warning against unchecked wickedness and an encouragement for the righteous, affirming God's ultimate justice in the face of apparent lawlessness.

Proverbs 29 16 Word analysis

• When the wicked thrive (בִּרְבוֹת רְשָׁעִים - bir'vōth r'sha'im):

  • בִּרְבוֹת (bir'vōth): This root (רבה - rabah) means "to be or become much, great, or many." It implies increase, multitude, or even power/prevalence. It's not just that the wicked exist, but they are growing in number, influence, or ascendancy.
  • רְשָׁעִים (r'sha'im): Plural of rasha', referring to those who are morally guilty, wicked, ungodly, those who are far from God and actively disregard His laws. They are typically those who practice injustice and rebellion.
  • Significance: This phrase warns of the societal dangers when those opposed to God's ways gain control or widespread presence. Their flourishing signifies more than material prosperity; it speaks to their empowerment and impact on public life.

• offense increases (פֶּשַׁע יַרְבֶּה - pesha' yarbeh):

  • פֶּשַׁע (pesha'): A strong Hebrew word for sin, often implying rebellion, revolt, or transgression, especially against a higher authority (God or established law). It suggests a deliberate breaking of norms or a breach of covenant.
  • יַרְבֶּה (yarbeh): From the same root as bir'vōth (רבה), meaning "it will increase" or "it will multiply." This shows a direct consequence: the prevalence of the wicked causes a corresponding rise in transgression.
  • Significance: The actions and presence of the wicked don't just affect themselves; they actively foster a climate of lawlessness, making it easier and more common for others to transgress. This indicates the contagious nature of sin when not restrained.

• but the righteous will see their downfall (וְצַדִּיקִים בְּמַפַּלְתָּם יִרְאוּ - v'tzaddiqim b'mappal'tam yir'u):

  • וְצַדִּיקִים (v'tzaddiqim): From tzaddiq, plural, meaning those who are just, righteous, vindicated, morally upright in accordance with God's standards. They walk in integrity.
  • בְּמַפַּלְתָּם (b'mappal'tam): This comes from the root נפל (naphal) "to fall," here specifically mappalah, meaning "a ruin," "overthrow," "fall," "defeat," "catastrophe." It signifies a complete collapse or destruction. The suffix '-tam' refers to "their."
  • יִרְאוּ (yir'u): "They will see" or "they will observe." It implies not just passively observing, but witnessing God's justice unfolding, often as a vindication.
  • Significance: Despite the present appearance of the wicked's power, God guarantees their ultimate undoing. The righteous, who maintain their integrity, are assured they will witness this divine retribution. This brings hope and reaffirms God's moral order.

Proverbs 29 16 Bonus section

The "increase" of transgression (pesha' yarbeh) isn't just about more individuals committing wrong, but often indicates a deepening and institutionalization of sin within society. This can lead to a state where the lines between good and evil become blurred, and moral compromise becomes common. The wisdom of Proverbs often emphasizes cause and effect, and here, the cause (wicked thriving) directly leads to the effect (increased transgression), which in turn, is reversed by divine intervention for the ultimate vindication of the righteous. This verse indirectly challenges humanistic or pragmatic worldviews that might evaluate a society's success purely on material prosperity, ignoring its moral decay. It places emphasis on a kingdom where moral uprightness is paramount. The witnessing by the righteous implies God's patience and their endurance, leading to a glorious display of divine justice, similar to when Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore after crossing the Red Sea (Exo 14:30).

Proverbs 29 16 Commentary

Proverbs 29:16 offers a stark contrast between the temporal triumph of the wicked and their inevitable ruin, framed by the impact on societal morality. When wicked individuals proliferate or assume positions of power, their ungodliness becomes normative, eroding the moral fabric of a community and leading to a widespread increase in rebellion against divine and human law. This is a divine principle: wickedness breeds more wickedness. However, this alarming trend is not the final word. The verse provides comfort and affirmation for those who remain faithful. It assures that the "righteous," those committed to living justly according to God's will, will endure long enough to observe the eventual and certain downfall of these wicked oppressors or influences. This "seeing" is not necessarily a call for human vengeance but an act of divine vindication, serving as proof that God is indeed just and sovereign. It reinforces the trust the righteous place in God's ultimate plan, encouraging perseverance in times when injustice seems to prevail.

Examples for practical usage:

• In a nation where corrupt leadership flourishes, resulting in increased crime and public deceit, believers are reminded not to despair, for the Lord will ultimately bring about their overthrow.
• In a workplace where unethical practices spread due to influential dishonest individuals, faithful employees are encouraged to continue integrity, trusting they will see those practices exposed and overcome.
• When a culture seems increasingly embracing immorality, believers hold onto the hope that this very escalation will lead to a turning point and the eventual fall of such practices.