Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 23:17
What does Proverbs 23:17 mean?
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Proverbs 23:17
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The Hebrew word for "envy" here can also mean "to be zealous" or "to have a strong desire." So, this verse isn't just saying don't envy sinners; it's calling you to direct that intense energy toward something better: a passionate, all-day pursuit of honoring God. It's a subtle but powerful shift from simply avoiding wrong to actively pursuing what is right.
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a longer section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life amidst a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It contrasts the fleeting gains of sin with the enduring blessings of faithfulness, urging the listener to trust God's way even when it's difficult. The verse immediately following this one reinforces the idea that the wicked's success is temporary and their ultimate end is destruction, while the faithful will be rewarded.
Ever see someone seemingly getting away with bad behavior and feel a pang of envy? This verse speaks directly to that.
It's easy to look at the outward success of those who disregard God and feel a sting of envy. They might have wealth, pleasure, or power that seems to come easily. But Proverbs warns us against this trap. The scholars point out that the Hebrew word for 'envy' here carries a sense of being stirred up, a discontent that can lead us astray. We are tempted to think they have it better, or to even imitate their ways to gain a similar 'success.'
However, this outward appearance is deceptive. Their prosperity is often temporary, a fleeting 'shadow' as one commentary notes. What we see isn't the full picture – it doesn't account for their inner turmoil, the coming judgment, or the ultimate loss they face.
What's the powerful antidote to envy? It's not ignoring the wicked, but actively focusing on something greater.
Instead of letting your heart fixate on the sinner's fleeting gains, the verse directs us to 'continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.' This isn't about being terrified of God, but about a deep, reverent awe and respect for His presence, power, and justice. It's a conscious, ongoing orientation of your life towards Him.
The scholars highlight that 'fear of the Lord' includes trusting Him, loving Him, and delighting in Him. It means consistently engaging in the duties that honor Him, both privately and publicly. When God's majesty and His righteous standards are constantly before your eyes and heart, the allure of sin and the envy of sinners fade in significance. Your expectation rests not on worldly success, but on the good and reward God promises.
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Did you know the same Hebrew word can mean 'envy' and 'zealous emulation'? This verse plays on that powerful idea.
Some insightful commentators suggest a clever play on words in this verse. The Hebrew word used can indeed mean 'to envy' in a negative, covetous way. However, it can also mean 'to be zealous for' or 'to emulate' something intensely.
So, the verse isn't just saying 'don't envy sinners.' It's implying: if your heart is going to feel that strong, zealous emotion, direct it towards God! Let your intense desire be for righteousness, for closeness to Him, for becoming more like those who truly fear the Lord. Instead of negatively coveting what the wicked have, positively pursue the deep, lasting joy and reward that comes from living in God's favor.
Understand the original words
leb · Hebrew Noun
The central organ of human life, representing the total inner person—the mind, will, emotions, and moral character. It is viewed as the control center from which thoughts, decisions, and actions flow.
qana · Hebrew Verb
A painful, resentful longing for the possessions, status, or perceived success of others, condemned in Scripture as it stems from a lack of contentment in God and His provision.
yirah · Hebrew Noun
A reverent, awe-filled submission to God's holiness and authority, which leads to wisdom and righteous living. It is the beginning of wisdom and the defining characteristic of a person who honors God.
This psalm directly addresses the same temptation, reminding us not to fret or be envious of the apparent success of evildoers, highlighting the fleeting nature of their prosperity.
Galatians 5:16Paul echoes this command by urging believers to live by the Spirit, which directly contrasts with the desires of the flesh, much like Proverbs contrasts envy of sinners with the fear of the Lord.
Romans 8:5This passage explains the fundamental difference between setting your mind on the flesh and setting your mind on the Spirit, mirroring the choice between envying sinners and fearing the Lord.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' instruction to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness provides a positive alternative to worldly desires, aligning with the Proverbs' call to focus on fearing the Lord instead of envying sinners.
1 Timothy 6:6Paul connects contentment with godliness to a state of true richness, directly countering the deceptive allure of worldly wealth that might lead one to envy sinners.
jfbProverbs 23:17: "Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."
17, 18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.
bensonProverbs 23:17: "Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."
Proverbs 23:17-18 . Let not thy heart envy sinners — Let not the consideration of their present impunity and prosperity excite thee either to envy them, or to approve and imitate their evil courses; but be thou in the fear of the Lord — Reverence the presence of the Divine Majesty, and dread his power and justice, and those judgments which he hath prepared for sinners, and thou wilt see no…
The Hebrew word for "envy" here can also mean "to be zealous" or "to have a strong desire." So, this verse isn't just saying don't envy sinners; it's calling you to direct that intense energy toward something better: a passionate, all-day pursuit of honoring God. It's a subtle but powerful shift from simply avoiding wrong to actively pursuing what is right.
This passage is part of a longer section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life amidst a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It contrasts the fleeting gains of sin with the enduring blessings of faithfulness, urging the listener to trust God's way even when it's difficult. The verse immediately following this one reinforces the idea that the wicked's success is temporary and their ultimate end is destruction, while the faithful will be rewarded.
This passage is part of a longer section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life amidst a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It contrasts the fleeting gains of sin with the enduring blessings of faithfulness, urging the listener to trust God's way even when it's difficult. The verse immediately following this one reinforces the idea that the wicked's success is temporary and their ultimate end is destruction, while the faithful will be rewarded.
"Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day." — The Hebrew word for "envy" here can also mean "to be zealous" or "to have a strong desire." So, this verse isn't just saying don't envy sinners; it's calling you to direct that intense energy towar…
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Last reviewed October 2026