When the wicked are multiplied,.... Or "are in authority" (r); as the word is rendered, Pro 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 of authority and power, of honour, riches, and grandeur, into a low and despicable condition, into ruin and destruction; and that with pleasure, because of the glory of God, his wisdom, justice, truth, and faithfulness, displayed therein; see Psa 58:10. (r) "dominantibus impiis"; some in Mercerus; "quum praesunt impii", Tigurine version.