16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
12 The wicked plotteth
12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him,
12 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in.
12 The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth.
12 The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance.
(Read Psalm 37:7-20)
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of special love. God provides plentifully and well, not only for his working servants, but for his waiting servants. They have that which is better than wealth, peace of mind, peace with God, and then peace in God; that peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot have. God knows the believer's days. Not one day's work shall go unrewarded. Their time on earth is reckoned by days, which will soon be numbered; but heavenly happiness shall be for ever. This will be a real support to believers in evil times. Those that rest on the Rock of ages, have no reason to envy the wicked the support of their broken reeds.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
(Read Proverbs 29:16)
Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience.