Do not allow envy to distract you from honoring God, instead choosing to live in reverential awe of Him.
In the wisdom writings of Proverbs—often attributed to King Solomon, who reigned from 970 to 931 BC—there is a call to guard the heart from harmful desires. The verse says, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.” (v.17) This instruction cautions believers not to compare themselves with those who engage in wrongdoing or disregard God’s ways. Instead of yearning after worldly gains, the passage compels the faithful to center their lives on a reverent awe toward God. Envy distracts from devoted worship by turning our focus to the temporary pleasures of people who do not honor the LORD (Matthew 6:19-21).
The latter portion of the verse, “But live in the fear of the LORD always,” (v.17) underscores the foundational principle that permeates much of Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This fear encompasses reverence, awe, and a recognition of God’s ultimate authority. By urging us to choose such reverence rather than envying the fleeting successes of those who ignore God, the scripture points to a life ordered under God’s guidance. In the New Testament, Jesus also warns against envying or fixating on worldly desires, directing believers to store their treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) where true fulfillment abides.
Trusting in God’s providence and adopting an attitude of deeper worship siphons away envy and cultivates hope for an enduring spiritual reward.
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Proverbs 23:17 meaning
In the wisdom writings of Proverbs—often attributed to King Solomon, who reigned from 970 to 931 BC—there is a call to guard the heart from harmful desires. The verse says, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.” (v.17) This instruction cautions believers not to compare themselves with those who engage in wrongdoing or disregard God’s ways. Instead of yearning after worldly gains, the passage compels the faithful to center their lives on a reverent awe toward God. Envy distracts from devoted worship by turning our focus to the temporary pleasures of people who do not honor the LORD (Matthew 6:19-21).
The latter portion of the verse, “But live in the fear of the LORD always,” (v.17) underscores the foundational principle that permeates much of Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This fear encompasses reverence, awe, and a recognition of God’s ultimate authority. By urging us to choose such reverence rather than envying the fleeting successes of those who ignore God, the scripture points to a life ordered under God’s guidance. In the New Testament, Jesus also warns against envying or fixating on worldly desires, directing believers to store their treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) where true fulfillment abides.
Trusting in God’s providence and adopting an attitude of deeper worship siphons away envy and cultivates hope for an enduring spiritual reward.