When the Wicked Increase

For Thursday, March 6, 2008
Proverbs 29:16

When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

When the wicked increase in number and power, transgression increases. As the wicked rise, they are more embolden to sin, as well as having the liberty to sin. Furthermore, their transgression encourages others to sin who had felt restricted under the rule of the righteous. Their transgression leads others astray who follow their example because of their being the leaders and because they seem to demonstrate that their transgression will go unpunished. Indeed, not only does the transgression seem to go unpunished, but the wicked seem to prosper precisely because of their transgression. Others fall into sin by fighting against the wicked in an unrighteous manner. They lie and cheat, claiming the ends justify the means.

But the downfall of the wicked will come. God will not be mocked. He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. Then, those who did not give was to sin will look upon the wicked's downfall.

Will you, then, persevere through the reign of the wicked? Such a reign may take place in your community, in your workplace, even in your home. Will you refrain from taking on the traits of the wicked? Will you refrain from unrighteous retaliation? Will you wait patiently for the vindication and the salvation of the Lord according to his timetable and his measure of justice? Will you remain among the ranks of the righteous who will see justice prevail?