Proverbs 24:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,

NIV: Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;

NASB: Do not be envious of evil people, Nor desire to be with them;

CSB: Don’t envy the evil or desire to be with them,

NLT: Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.

KJV: Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

NKJV: Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;

This advice echoes other statements in the book of Proverbs which warn against associating with immoral people. Jealousy over their success is short-sighted (Proverbs 23:17–18). Close friendships or other relationships with them brings risk and temptation (Proverbs 1:10–15; 13:20). Sin is enticing. Yet a wise person (Proverbs 1:7) knows that God's goodness is far more valuable than temporary earthly wealth. They also remember that the company we keep influences our morals (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Whatever wealth or possessions people gain by evil means cannot last. They are always subject to sudden loss. Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). He also spoke about eternal treasure. He said, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20). The poorest believer is richer than the wealthiest unbeliever on earth. So why should he envy?

The nineteenth of Solomon's thirty wise sayings begins here and is completed in the following verse (Proverbs 24:2).

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.