Proverbs 29:16

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about judgement: 

Proverbs 29:16 (ESV)

When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

It would be supposed that this proverb is good news for the righteous.  Being told that we will see someone "fall" for being wicked probably generates a smile across most faces.   However, when we must remember that even God is not willing that any should perish.   So, revenge is not the point of this truth.   We should also remember that revenge is from the Lord and not ours to inflict or rejoice over.   The purpose of this proverb is to remind us that judgement does come and for good reason.  When the wicked are in leadership or increase in population, we are to note that sin (offense against the mighty hand of God) will increase.   When that wickedness increases there can be plenty of suffering for the righteous.   When you become the minority, in any measure, you find difficulty dealing with life.   When the wicked increase so, too, however, does the party.   The flesh may fight God and be in complete conflict with Him (Romans 8) but the flesh also knows how to celebrate.  When that happens we can often get jealous or feel like we are serving for empty reasons (Psalm 73).   When we are feeling envious of the wicked and their life of ease we must call to mind their end.  We must remember that either here, on this earth, or later, from glory we will see their fall.  We can relax and quit desiring their relaxed fun and remember that their destruction is only moments away.