9/23/198

Proverbs 23:17

Let not your heart envy sinners,
    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

Psalm 73:2-3

² But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
    my steps had nearly slipped.
³ For I was envious of the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

The Psalmist in Psalm 73: 2-3 states this as a fact and then explains the consequences. No matter how often this warning is given to believers, they invariably make this mistake. But why should we not envy sinners? Here are some reasons:

1. What they have is temporary.

2. There is no one certainty that it satisfies the owner.

3. There is no guarantee that it was acquired lawfully.

4. This envy is covetousness which is idolatry.

5. Prosperity brings with it both responsibilities and temptations which may be greater than our ability to manage.

6. The wealth we envy may be to the owner's destruction.

7. The "fear of the Lord" is damaged by this envy.