The Church Fathers on this verse

Proverbs 29:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.

Douay-Rheims

בִּרְב֣וֹת רְ֭שָׁעִים יִרְבֶּה־פָּ֑שַׁע וְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗ים בְּֽמַפַּלְתָּ֥ם יִרְאֽוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

A wise individual brings delight to their parents, and if that person holds the throne, they bring honor to their nation; however, a flatterer merely misleads those around him, while a wicked person stirs up strife in the city. Even a wise person mingling with the foolish cannot find tranquility and is often despised by the unjust. The integrity and fairness of a leader have a direct influence on their closest allies and the well-being of their community; similarly, proper upbringing shapes a son's future, while discipline affects a servant's conduct. It should be obvious that the unjust fosters division among others, degrades his own spirit, and harbors hatred for his soul. In contrast, the upright secures dignity and protection under the Lord, as the path of the wicked is detestable to the just, who in turn is loathed by the unjust.

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Passages read together with this verse.