Proverbs 29:16

16 Great trespasses shall be multiplied in the multiplying of wicked men; and just men shall see the fallings of them. (Great trespasses shall be multiplied when the wicked rule; but the righteous shall see the falling of them.)

Proverbs 29:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:16

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 ( Psalms 58:10 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (twbrb) "dominantibus impiis"; some in Mercerus; "quum praesunt impii", Tigurine version.

Proverbs 29:16 In-Context

14 If a king deemeth poor men in truth, his throne shall be made steadfast [into] without end. (If a king judgeth the poor with honesty, his throne shall be made secure forever.)

15 A rod and chastising shall give wisdom; but a child, that is left to his own will, shameth his mother.

16 Great trespasses shall be multiplied in the multiplying of wicked men; and just men shall see the fallings of them. (Great trespasses shall be multiplied when the wicked rule; but the righteous shall see the falling of them.)

17 Teach thy son, and he shall comfort thee (and he shall be a comfort to thee); and he shall give delights to thy soul.

18 When prophecy faileth, the people shall be destroyed; but he that keepeth the law, is blessed (but he who obeyeth the Law, is blessed).