What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:17? Do not let your heart envy sinners “Do not let your heart envy sinners” (Proverbs 23:17a) speaks to the private place where jealousy first takes root. God’s Word calls each believer to vigilance over the inner life, because envy quietly poisons affection for the Lord and for others (Psalm 73:2–3; James 3:14–16). • The target: “sinners” are those who appear to flourish while ignoring God (Psalm 37:1). Their momentary success can look attractive, yet Proverbs 24:19 warns that fretting over their prosperity is futile. • The danger: envy distorts reality, making temporal gain seem worth eternal loss (Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:15–17). • The damage: once envy is welcomed, it births resentment, compromises convictions, and erodes gratitude (Proverbs 14:30). Instead, believers are urged to keep their hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23), fixing their eyes on Christ who is “our life” (Colossians 3:1–4). But always continue in the fear of the LORD “...but always continue in the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 23:17b) supplies the positive alternative. Where envy displaces God, holy fear restores Him to His rightful place. • “Always” points to an ongoing, steady posture, not a one-time decision (Philippians 2:12–13). • “Fear of the LORD” is reverent awe that delights in His holiness, trusts His goodness, and submits to His Word (Proverbs 1:7; 14:26–27; Hebrews 12:28). Practical ways to continue: – Daily intake of Scripture, allowing truth to recalibrate desires (Psalm 19:9–11). – Prayerful confession that keeps the conscience tender (1 John 1:9). – Corporate worship and fellowship, stirring one another toward faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24–25). – Remembering the promised outcome: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18). summary Proverbs 23:17 pulls the believer’s gaze from the glitter of unrighteous gain to the glory of God. Guard the heart from envy; instead, cultivate an ongoing, reverent fear of the LORD. One path ends in emptiness, the other in enduring hope. |
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