What does Proverbs 24:19 mean?

Believers cannot avoid being the objects of trouble at the hands of unscrupulous people (John 16:33). Following godly wisdom makes a person less susceptible to certain dangers (Proverbs 1:7; 8:33–36); it does not make one immune to all hardship. An earlier proverb noted that godly people should not be jealous of those who are sinful (Proverbs 24:1–2). It's more difficult to avoid anxiety in general than it to set aside jealousy. Still, those who honor God shouldn't become anxious or stressed because of evil people. The following verse offers a contrast explaining why: God will judge all things and snuff out those who reject Him (Proverbs 24:20).

The Lord cares for His people and holds them in His powerful hands (John 10:27–29; 1 Peter 5:7). Further, nothing can separate believers from God's love (Romans 8:38–39). As the psalmist Asaph discovered (Psalm 73:2–3), God will bring the wicked to a day of reckoning (Psalm 73:16–20); yet He will be with the righteous forever, protecting them, and guiding them through life and all the way to heaven (Psalm 73:22–26). The wicked may prosper for a brief time, but believers have a relationship with the Lord, a bright hope, and an eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4). It is no wonder Peter commanded: "Put away…envy" (1 Peter 2:1).