Proverbs 29:16

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. WHEN THE WICKED ARE MULTIPLIED, TRANSGRESSION INCREASETH. The more there are of the wicked, the bolder in transgression they are, by reason of their mutual example and solicitations to sin. What is done by most men, however bad, is regarded as sanctioned by the numbers. BUT THE RIGHTEOUS (need not be disheartened by the flourishing prevalence of wickedness, for they) "shall see their fall" (; )....

Verse Proverbs 29:16. _WHEN THE WICKED ARE MULTIPLIED_] That, in the _multiplication of the wicked transgression is increased_, requires no proof; but an important doctrine attaches to this. On this account wicked nations and wicked families are cut off and rooted out. Were it not so righteousness would in process of time be banished from the earth. This will account for many of the numerous instances in which whole families fail....

EXPOSITION This chapter reinforces many precept given previously. PROVERBS 29:1 HE THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK; literally, _a man of reproofs—_one_ _who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 27:8). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers

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

CHAPTER 29 THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS These final instructions given in proverbs cover the similar ground as those in the previous Chapter s. Wisdom shines out in each, and the contents of every proverb shows that the author is not Solomon but He who is perfect in knowledge. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Scripture abounds with examples of cases of hardening the neck and the heart, like Pharaoh, Ahab and others. This proverb will be finally proven to be the truth when an ungodly age will end with judgment for those who were often reproved and continue in sin. Once more the sin of flattery is mentioned. “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet” Proverbs 29:5. Flattery is akin to lying and can never be right, but is always a mistake, which results in the gravest consequences. More servants

PROVERBS 29:2. _cf._ Proverbs 11:10 f., Proverbs 28:12. Proverbs 29:4. he that exacteth gifts: lit. a man of presents. Proverbs 29:9 b. Who is the subject? If it is the wise man, the meaning is that however he treats his opponent, seriously or lightly, he cannot end the matter. If it is the fool, the thought will be that he shows no decorum of manner. The proverb seems directed against a wise man's going to law with a fool....

THE WICKED. wicked ones. MULTIPLIED. increased in authority or position. Not necessarily in number. Compare Proverbs 29:2, and see note on Proverbs 4:10. TRANSGRESSION. Hebrew. _pasha'._ App-44. SEE THEIR FALL. see into (the symptoms and causes of) their fall: i.e. fall caused by external circumstances....

_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. Psalms 37:34; Psalms 112:8....

TEXT Proverbs 29:10-18 10. The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect: And as for the upright, they seek his life. 11. A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it. 12. If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked. 13. The poor man and the oppressor met together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother. 16. When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall. 17. Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul. 18....

KINGS AND FATHERS 3. Cp. the prodigal son (Luke 15)....