Proverbs 23:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

NIV: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

NASB: Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always.

CSB: Don’t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the Lord.

NLT: Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.

KJV: Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

NKJV: Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;

Among Satan's most effective tricks is making people think they are "missing out" by following God's instructions. This was the basic temptation Satan used against Eve. He fooled her—and she convinced Adam—into thinking their Creator's rules were keeping them from something better (Genesis 3:1–7). Of course, that was a lie. When Adam and Eve fell to temptation, they brought misery and death on themselves and all humanity. Today, the same form of temptation exists; Solomon calls it when the heart "envies" those who commit sin.

Much of the book of Proverbs explains the real-world dangers of sin. Addiction, poverty, violence, shame, sickness and even death are heightened risks for those making immoral choices (Proverbs 8:33–36; 13:21). Worse, of course, is that those who reject God face an eternity of loss (Proverbs 10:16; 11:4; 16:4). God's ways are better, and His benefits greater, than anything the world can offer (Ephesians 1:3–14; Colossians 3:1–4; 1 Peter 1:3–12). Those who embrace this will at least be secure in eternity, and most likely have better outcomes in this life, as well (Proverbs 1:33). True wisdom starts with reverent respect for God (Proverbs 1:7): the "fear of the LORD." The advice given here echoes some of the earliest and most fundamental themes of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:10).

In Psalm 73, Asaph is faced with this temptation of envy. This almost caused him to make shipwreck of his faith (Psalm 73:2–3). He was bitter over the way God-deniers seemed to have trouble-free, healthy lives. However, his reverence for the Lord drove him to the sanctuary of God. There, he was reminded of the ultimate, dreadful future of all sinners (Psalm 73:16–20). In the sanctuary he also came to his senses and realized how blessed he was to have God's presence, protection, provision, and providential care (Psalm 73:21–28). Proverbs 1:10 says, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." It is good to recognize that what believers have in Christ is far more valuable than the fleeting value of the things of this world (Proverbs 23:18).

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.