Proverbs 24:1-2 Don't Envy Evil

Proverbs 24:1-2  “Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;  For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble”. (NASB)

Have you ever driven through that high dollar neighborhood and wondered how anyone or perhaps how that many could have so much?  Have you also learned over the years that some of those living the “Golden” life were less than noble in the accumulation of their wealth?  Solomon continues sharing wisdom with regard to those we associate with in this proverb.

He starts, “Do not be envious of evil men”.  Now there could be several reasons one might envy evil men.  My mind immediately went to ill gotten gain; to the rich man that cheated others or the government to get that way.  Before we go myopic on wealth though there might be other things.  Maybe the evil man has a position of power that one might envy.  Perhaps they have relationships that on initial inspection seem appealing.  It could even be possible that this person is famous with adoring fans.  There could be several reasons then that one person might be envious of another. 

It is important to be clear that being wealthy, famous or powerful is not in and of itself evil.  This proverb isn’t focusing on all those people and the source of the envy.  The proverb is focusing on the one do does the envying of the evil doer.  So the warning is not to want to be like or have what this evil person has.  So the initial thought of the proverb is about envy which could be defined as a desire.

The second thought is also about desire.  This time he says, “Nor desire to be with them”.  So Solomon goes on to warn that one should not want even to be with such a person that might elicit envy through evil means.  We are not to want to be associated with this type of person.  It is easy to imagine.  There might be some crumbs from the table of the wealthy, famous or powerful coming our way after all if we hang close enough.  So Solomon says stay away.  Don’t even think about getting close to that evil in hopes of getting some for yourself.

Solomon goes on in verse 2 to explain that they are plotters.  They are devisers of violence.  The evil then is not just benign cheating and etc.  This evil plotter also devises violence.  Sure it might be well hidden but there is violence none-the-less.  Solomon then is sharing that this evil person who has gain through evil means is even more sinister than the obvious wrong.  This is good to know and a warning to all of us that if there is a little evil we can see, there is even more and dare we say worse evil that is hidden.

Finally Solomon reveals a tell tale to keep in mind.  Bear in mind this may not be immediately evident but upon building a relationship with this evil schemer this trait will show itself.  Solomon says, “And their lips talk of trouble” as he closes this thought.  So this evil person speaks of trouble as he recruits or conspires.  Perhaps he is recounting his evil conquests but perhaps he speaks of what evil lies ahead.  Regardless, he wants to and does talk about it; he speaks of the trouble.

So the take home message is stay away from the evil man.  Beyond that, we should be on guard with those we don’t really know that well with those objects of envy.  Why?  Because until we know how someone acquired their wealth, power or fame we don’t know much.  Clearly some, not all, have achieved this position worthy of envy by evil means.  Without being a cynic, proceed with caution into a relationship with this kind of person.  Surely the wisest among us can be fooled from time to time but we should be on guard.

Maybe the best advice of all – don’t be envious in the first place.  AMEN!