Proverbs 24:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,

NIV: Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked,

NASB: Do not get upset because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

CSB: Don’t be agitated by evildoers, and don’t envy the wicked.

NLT: Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.

KJV: Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

NKJV: Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked;

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).

Proverbs 24:13–22 gives practical advice to Solomon's son, or student. This passage includes the last five of thirty wise teachings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) is something to be savored and enjoyed. A wise person is not violent nor predatory; he does not gloat over a defeated enemy. The reader is again reminded not to be jealous or fearful of evil people, as they are subject to God's judgment.

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.