Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 24:19
What does Proverbs 24:19 mean?
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Proverbs 24:19
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The Hebrew word for "fret" literally means to "burn" or "be inflamed," suggesting that seeing the wicked prosper can ignite an internal fire of anger or resentment. This isn't just about feeling a little annoyed; it's a warning against allowing their success to consume you with bitterness. The real sting comes from the apparent unfairness of it all, which the rest of the verse promises to unpack.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage warns against the common temptation to become angry or jealous when observing the outward success of wicked people. It acknowledges that their prosperity can seem unfair, leading to frustration and a desire to emulate their harmful ways. However, the verses that follow provide the crucial counterpoint: the ultimate end of the wicked is destruction, while the righteous will find lasting joy.
Ever see someone do wrong and get ahead? It's easy to feel that familiar burn of frustration and even anger. This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
The verse uses a strong image for 'fret not.' It's not just mild annoyance; it's a deep-seated burning or anger. This intense emotion often flares up when we see 'evil men' prospering, seemingly without consequence.
The Temptation of Injustice
Our hearts instinctively cry out for fairness. When the wicked succeed and the righteous suffer, it feels deeply unjust. This verse acknowledges that temptation to become 'envious' – to look at their success and think, 'I wish I had what they have,' or even 'Maybe I should act like them to get ahead.'
But this frustration, this envy, is misplaced. It’s a reaction to a temporary, superficial picture.
Why shouldn't we get worked up about the wicked getting ahead? This passage hints at a powerful, eternal truth about their ultimate fate.
The core reason we shouldn't fret or be envious is that the wicked's 'reward' is temporary and ultimately destructive.
A Fleeting Success
The commentaries highlight that their prosperity is often a matter of 'present impunity' or 'good success' – meaning it's what they have now. It’s like watching a runner who gets a huge head start in a race, but the race is actually a marathon with a steep uphill climb at the end.
The Ultimate Verdict
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Their 'candle' – their comfort, glory, and happiness – is destined to be 'put out.' There is no lasting reward for evil. All their hopes will perish, and they will have no share in the true, eternal joys that await the faithful. Envy blinds us to this future reality.
Understand the original words
charah · Hebrew Verb
To be distressed, agitated, or anxious; often used in the context of being disturbed by the apparent success of the ungodly in a fallen world.
qana · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of resentment or jealousy regarding the success, prosperity, or status of others, specifically those who have gained through unrighteous means. It signifies a lack of trust in God’s ultimate justice.
This Psalm directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 24:19, urging believers not to be provoked by evildoers or envious of their temporary success, laying the groundwork for understanding the 'why' behind this advice.
Psalm 73:3This verse highlights the internal struggle of the righteous when seeing the prosperity of the wicked, showing the very real temptation that Proverbs 24:19 seeks to address and offering a deeper dive into the emotional challenge.
Jeremiah 12:1Jeremiah voices a similar complaint to God about the prosperity of the wicked, demonstrating that this struggle is not new and has been a persistent challenge for faithful hearts throughout biblical history.
Romans 12:15While Proverbs focuses on not envying the wicked, Romans encourages a positive response – rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep – subtly guiding us away from dwelling on the wicked's success towards healthy community engagement.
pooleProverbs 24:19: "Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;"
Fret not thyself; which translation of the word is confirmed by the parallel word in the following clause. Because of evil men; for their present impunity and good success.
bensonProverbs 24:19: "Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;"
Proverbs 24:19-20 . Fret not thyself because of evil men — For their present impunity, or good success. For there shall be no reward to the evil man — All his hopes and happiness shall quickly and eternally perish, and he shall have no share in those solid felicities, and blessed recompenses of another life, which thou shalt enjoy. Therefore thou hast no reason to envy him. The candle of the wicked sh…
The Hebrew word for "fret" literally means to "burn" or "be inflamed," suggesting that seeing the wicked prosper can ignite an internal fire of anger or resentment. This isn't just about feeling a little annoyed; it's a warning against allowing their success to consume you with bitterness. The real sting comes from the apparent unfairness of it all, which the rest of the verse promises to unpack.
This passage warns against the common temptation to become angry or jealous when observing the outward success of wicked people. It acknowledges that their prosperity can seem unfair, leading to frustration and a desire to emulate their harmful ways. However, the verses that follow provide the crucial counterpoint: the ultimate end of the wicked is destruction, while the righteous will find lasting joy.
This passage warns against the common temptation to become angry or jealous when observing the outward success of wicked people. It acknowledges that their prosperity can seem unfair, leading to frustration and a desire to emulate their harmful ways. However, the verses that follow provide the crucial counterpoint: the ultimate end of the wicked is destruction, while the righteous will find lasting joy.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked," — The Hebrew word for "fret" literally means to "burn" or "be inflamed," suggesting that seeing the wicked prosper can ignite an internal fire of anger or resentment. This isn't just about feeling a li…
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Last reviewed October 2026