Do not envy wicked menThis phrase warns against the natural human tendency to covet the success or prosperity of those who do not follow God's ways. In biblical context, "wicked men" refers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently address the apparent prosperity of the wicked, as seen in
Psalm 73, where the psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked but ultimately finds solace in God's justice. Historically, Israel was surrounded by nations that often prospered through unjust means, tempting the Israelites to envy their success. This phrase serves as a reminder that true prosperity is found in righteousness and obedience to God, not in the fleeting success of the wicked.
or desire their company;
Desiring the company of wicked men implies a willingness to associate with or emulate their ways. In ancient Israel, social and religious life was deeply intertwined, and associating with those who rejected God's laws could lead to spiritual and moral compromise. The Bible consistently warns against forming close relationships with those who might lead believers astray, as seen in1 Corinthians 15:33, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This phrase also echoes the wisdom ofPsalm 1, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked. The call is to seek fellowship with those who pursue righteousness, reflecting the community of believers who encourage one another in faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wicked MenIn the context of Proverbs, "wicked men" refers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments and pursue unrighteousness. They are often characterized by deceit, violence, and a lack of moral integrity.
2.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His teachings often contrast the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish or wicked.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
Teaching Points
Guard Your Heart Against EnvyEnvy can lead us away from God's path. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against the temptation to desire what the wicked have, recognizing that their success is fleeting.
Choose Your Companions WiselyThe company we keep influences our character and decisions. We should seek relationships that encourage us in righteousness and align with God's will.
Trust in God's JusticeWhile the wicked may seem to prosper, we must trust in God's ultimate justice. Their apparent success is temporary, and God's judgment is sure.
Focus on Eternal ValuesInstead of envying temporary gains, focus on eternal values and treasures in heaven. This perspective helps us maintain a godly outlook and priorities.
Reflect Christ in Your RelationshipsAs followers of Christ, our relationships should reflect His love and righteousness. We should be a light to others, drawing them towards God's truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:1?
2.How can we avoid envying "wicked men" in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 24:1 teach about choosing role models?
4.How does Proverbs 24:1 connect with Psalm 37:1 about envying evildoers?
5.Why is it important to discern the character of those we admire?
6.How can Proverbs 24:1 guide our interactions with non-believers?
7.What does Proverbs 24:1 mean by "Do not envy wicked men"?
8.How does Proverbs 24:1 challenge our understanding of success and prosperity?
9.Why does Proverbs 24:1 warn against desiring the company of the wicked?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24?
11.What does 'righteous man falls seven times' mean?
12.What are the torments of Sheol?
13.How can 'the wicked flee when no one pursues' (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid?
14.Proverbs 24:16: How can the wicked be said to 'fall' when many evil rulers throughout history prospered without clear downfall?What Does Proverbs 24:1 Mean
Do not envyProverbs 24:1 begins with the straightforward charge, “Do not envy….”
• Envy sprouts when we measure success or comfort by what others possess rather than by what God provides (Exodus 20:17;Proverbs 23:17).
•Psalm 37:1-2 cautions, “Do not fret over evildoers… for they wither quickly like grass.” Their apparent gain is temporary, so longing for it is misplaced.
• Asaph admitted inPsalm 73:3, “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked,” yet later confessed their footing was “slippery” (Psalm 73:18-19). Scripture consistently redirects our eyes from comparative jealousy to confident trust in God’s just ordering of life.
wicked menThe object of the warning matters: “wicked men.”
• Wickedness is a settled posture against God (Proverbs 4:14-17). What looks like cleverness or success is actually rebellion.
•Psalm 1:1 paints the downward spiral: walking, standing, then sitting with the wicked. This verse in Proverbs stops that slide at the very first thought—envy.
• Observe the end of such people: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man… yet he passed away” (Psalm 37:35-36). Their path is short-lived, so their lifestyle is no model for God’s children.
or desireEnvy can turn into desire—an inward craving.
•Proverbs 1:10 warns, “If sinners entice you, do not yield,” showing how desire begins in the heart before it becomes action.
•James 1:14-15 traces the same progression: desire conceives sin, and sin brings death. The proverb arrests that process by checking the desire itself.
• Rather than desire what the wicked have, we are urged to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalm 37:4). God satisfies deeper than any earthly lure.
their companyThe climax of the warning is social: “their company.”
• Close association shapes character. “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).
•Psalm 26:4-5 reflects David’s resolve: “I do not sit with deceitful men… I abhor the assembly of evildoers.” Separation here is not aloofness; it preserves holiness.
•1 Corinthians 15:33 reinforces the timeless principle, “Bad company corrupts good character.” The proverb pushes us to choose companions who spur godliness, not compromise it.
summaryProverbs 24:1 counsels: “Do not envy wicked men or desire their company.”
• Refuse to let jealousy spark over the fleeting success of those who defy God.
• Remember their apparent advantage is momentary and their end is ruin.
• Guard the heart before desire embeds itself and leads to entangling relationships.
• Seek companionship that strengthens faith, trusting that God’s favor far outweighs worldly allure.
Verse 1. - We return here to the more usual form, the tetrastich.
Be not thou envious against evil men (see on Proverbs 23:17, where a similar warning is given, and comp. Ver. 19 below). "Men of wickedness," wholly given over to evil.
Neither desire to be with them. Their company is pollution, and association with them makes you a partner in their sinful doings. The Septuagint prefaces the paragraph with the personal address,
υἱέ "son."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notenvyתְּ֭קַנֵּא(tə·qan·nê)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7065:To be, zealous, jealous, enviouswickedרָעָ֑ה(rā·‘āh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilmenבְּאַנְשֵׁ֣י(bə·’an·šê)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personor desireתִּ֝תְאָ֗יו(tiṯ·’āw)Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 183:To incline, desiretheir company;לִהְי֥וֹת(lih·yō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:1 Don't be envious of evil men (Prov. Pro Pr)