Proverbs 24:1-2
Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just about avoiding envy; it's a deep warning against desiring the company and lifestyle of wicked people. The text urges us not to even wish we were in their shoes, because their "heart studies destruction" and their path leads to ruin, not fulfillment.
This passage directly follows advice about managing household and finances, urging prudence and wisdom. It's part of a larger section where Solomon is guiding his son (and by extension, all readers) on living a life that honors God, contrasting the ways of the wise with the folly of the wicked. The verse warns against desiring the prosperity or company of those who live by corrupt means, setting the stage for further instruction on the dangers of wickedness and the rewards of righteousness.
Ever seen someone seemingly 'get away with it' and felt a twinge of envy? This verse cuts right to that feeling.
Proverbs warns us not to be envious of 'evil men.' This isn't just about avoiding jealousy; it's about recognizing that their 'success' is often fleeting and built on destruction.
The Illusion of Prosperity
What looks like prosperity for the wicked is often a facade. Their hearts are 'studying destruction' (Benson), meaning they are actively plotting harm and oppression. This outward appearance of success is a dangerous lure, masking a deep inner corruption and a future of sorrow.
A Poisonous Partnership
To 'desire to be with them' means more than just wanting their company; it's about wanting their lifestyle, their methods, their rewards. But their way of life is 'infectious' and 'pernicious' (Pulpit Commentary), leading to spiritual ruin. Associating with them, even in desire, makes us partners in their sin.
If not the 'prosperity' of the wicked, then where should we look for true wealth and fulfillment?
While Proverbs warns against desiring the ways of the wicked, it implicitly points us toward a different, more enduring source of riches: wisdom and knowledge.
Wisdom's True Riches
The broader context of Proverbs, particularly verses like those around Proverbs 24:3-6, speaks of filling the soul with 'graces and comforts' and strengthening the spirit through 'true wisdom.' These are the 'precious and pleasant riches' (Henry) that far surpass any temporary gain the wicked might experience.
A Foundation for Life
This wisdom, rooted in reverence for God, provides a stable foundation. Unlike the unstable 'prosperity' of the evil, which is often built on destruction and leads to ruin, godly wisdom equips us for 'spiritual work and spiritual warfare' (Henry). It's an investment that yields eternal returns, a stark contrast to the fleeting gains of wickedness.
Understand the original words
qana' · Hebrew Verb
An intense feeling of displeasure or jealousy at the success or advantages of others; in a biblical context, it often refers to a sinful covetousness of the wicked's perceived prosperity.
ra'ah · Hebrew Adjective
Those who act in opposition to God's law and moral order; characterized by their persistent practice of wickedness and rebellion.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The center of human personality, encompassing the intellect, will, emotions, and moral character; the "control center" from which thoughts and intentions spring.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
Physical force or cruelty used to inflict harm or violate the rights of others; biblically, it is often associated with the breakdown of justice and the oppression of the weak.
This Psalm directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 24:1, encouraging the reader not to be provoked by evildoers or envious of those who prosper in wickedness, assuring them that such prosperity is fleeting.
Proverbs 23:17This verse is a direct precursor, sharing the same warning against envy of sinners and encouraging trust in the Lord. It highlights the repeated emphasis on this theme within the wisdom literature.
Galatians 5:19-21While Proverbs warns against the company and envy of the wicked, Paul lists the 'works of the flesh' that characterize such people, showing the destructive and ungodly nature of their actions and warning believers not to partake in them.
Matthew 5:43-48Jesus expands on the concept of not desiring to be with or envy evil men by commanding His followers to love their enemies and pray for them, revealing a higher standard of conduct that overcomes the temptation to be drawn to or resentful of wrongdoers.
cambridgeProverbs 24:1: "Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them."
1 . Be not thou envious ] Comp. Proverbs 23:17 .
bensonProverbs 24:1: "Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them."
Proverbs 24:1-2 . Be not thou envious, &c. — The proneness of good men, especially while they are weak, and only in the beginnings of their course of piety and virtue, to be dejected at the prosperity of the ungodly, and so to be tempted to imitate them, is the reason that the admonition which we here meet with is so often repeated; neither desire to be with them — Desire not their company, nor to imitate the…
This isn't just about avoiding envy; it's a deep warning against desiring the company and lifestyle of wicked people. The text urges us not to even wish we were in their shoes, because their "heart studies destruction" and their path leads to ruin, not fulfillment.
This passage directly follows advice about managing household and finances, urging prudence and wisdom. It's part of a larger section where Solomon is guiding his son (and by extension, all readers) on living a life that honors God, contrasting the ways of the wise with the folly of the wicked. The verse warns against desiring the prosperity or company of those who live by corrupt means, setting the stage for further instruction on the dangers of wickedness and the rewards of righteousness.
This passage directly follows advice about managing household and finances, urging prudence and wisdom. It's part of a larger section where Solomon is guiding his son (and by extension, all readers) on living a life that honors God, contrasting the ways of the wise with the folly of the wicked. The verse warns against desiring the prosperity or company of those who live by corrupt means, setting the stage for further instruction on the dangers of wickedness and the rewards of righteousness.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 24:1-2 is available in the Sola app.
"Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble." — This isn't just about avoiding envy; it's a deep warning against desiring the company and lifestyle of wicked people. The text urges us not to even wish we were in their shoes, because their "heart…
