Proverbs 23-24

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD” (23:17). The Proverbs caution us to not “envy the wicked” because their lives are full of making “violence” and “trouble” (24:1). We don’t need to “fret” (24:19) that sinners are prospering or seeming to prosper; the truth is that without God there is no lasting “future” (24:20).

Living faithfully for Jesus may seem at times that we are making sacrifices that keep us from “getting ahead” in life while non-believers succeed. But wisdom sees the bigger picture; our “hope will not be cut off” (23:18). Following Jesus is the long-term path to joy, peace and prosperity.