John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 29:16
When the wicked are multiplied ,.... Or "are in authority" F18 ברבות "dominantibus impiis"; some in Mercerus; "quum praesunt impii", Tigurine version. ; as the word is rendered, Proverbs 29:2 ; transgression increaseth ; among the common people, being encouraged by their wicked rulers, whose examples they follow; or as the wicked themselves increase, in numbers, in age, in power, and riches, their sins increase too; but the righteous shall see their fall , from their places... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 29:16
Note, 1. The more sinners there are the more sin there is: When the wicked, being countenanced by authority, grow numerous, and walk on every side, no marvel if transgression increases, as a plague in the country is said to increase when still more and more are infected with it. Transgression grows more impudent and bold, more imperious and threatening, when there are many to keep it in countenance. In the old world, when men began to multiply, they began to degenerate and corrupt themselves... read more