Pro 29:16 | MHM | STEP | The Growth and Fall of the Wicked This section discusses what happens when there are many wicked people in society. It explains that as the number of sinners grows, so does the amount of sin. However, the passage also gives hope to good people, reminding them not to lose faith, because God will eventually bring down the wicked and reward the righteous. v. 16 : The verse says, When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases . When more and more evil people are accepted or even supported by those in power, sin spreads quickly, just like a disease does when many people get infected. Sin becomes more open and bold when there are many who support it. This happened long ago when people began to multiply, and they also became more corrupt (Genesis 6:1-5 ). But the verse also teaches that as sin increases, the time of punishment comes closer. Good people should not lose hope or think that doing right is useless. They should remember that the righteous shall see their fall (Psalm 37:34 ). Even if it takes time, God will bring down the wicked from their places of power, and the righteous will see it—either in this life or on the final day of judgment (Isaiah 66:24; Genesis 19:28 ). This teaches us to be patient and trust that God is just.

‏ Proverbs 29:16

The Growth and Fall of the Wicked

This section discusses what happens when there are many wicked people in society. It explains that as the number of sinners grows, so does the amount of sin. However, the passage also gives hope to good people, reminding them not to lose faith, because God will eventually bring down the wicked and reward the righteous.

v. 16: The verse says, When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases . When more and more evil people are accepted or even supported by those in power, sin spreads quickly, just like a disease does when many people get infected. Sin becomes more open and bold when there are many who support it. This happened long ago when people began to multiply, and they also became more corrupt (Genesis 6:1-5 ^a). But the verse also teaches that as sin increases, the time of punishment comes closer. Good people should not lose hope or think that doing right is useless. They should remember that the righteous shall see their fall (Psalm 37:34 ^b). Even if it takes time, God will bring down the wicked from their places of power, and the righteous will see it—either in this life or on the final day of judgment (Isaiah 66:24; Genesis 19:28 ^c). This teaches us to be patient and trust that God is just.