Fall Is Coming

(Proverbs 29:16 KJV)  When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

I am not sure what to do with the word “when”.  There is no indication that it is a word from the Hebrew so it must be implied somehow.  It is in all but two of the translations I have on my software and in those two the concept is implied.  I am wondering if this implies that the “wicked” (7563) gaining power is not a done deal.  Does it imply that the “righteous” (6662) can hold them off?  Insert your editorial opinion here:  __________.

Of course the real thrust of this verse is that the wicked will not triumph in the long run.  We see that they usually find a way to come to power.  People who start off on the side of righteousness seem to be very vulnerable to corruption and unnecessary compromise.  Admit it.  You have heard the statement that “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  The bigger promise is that the upright will still be around after they are gone.

So?  It doesn’t make your day to know that the evil will run things but it will make your future to remember that they will pass and we will still be around.