Proverbs 29:16

16. When the wicked are multiplied Magnified, become great in power, authority, office.

Transgression increaseth Becomes great; crimes are greater in number and in enormity from the example or complicity of those in power. There appears to be a paronomasia on the words ברבות , ( birbhoth,) and ירבה , ( yirbeh,) from the same root, רבה , ( rabhah,) which signifies either to become many, or to become great when the wicked increase, transgression increases. Comp. Proverbs 29:2. See their fall Their ruin. The righteous shall be there to look on. Patrick says: “Shall have pleasure to see their downfall.” There may be nothing wicked in rejoicing over the fall of bad rulers. It may proceed from benevolence rather than from malice. Compare Psalms 58:10, Psalms 91:8.