Proverbs 23:17 kjv

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Proverbs 23:17 nkjv

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

Proverbs 23:17 niv

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 23:17 esv

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

Proverbs 23:17 nlt

Don't envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the LORD.

Proverbs 23 verses

Meaning

Proverbs 23:17 provides a direct admonition against allowing one's innermost being to desire or begrudge the temporary advantages, perceived freedoms, or material successes of those who are disobedient to God. Instead, it emphatically calls for a constant, all-encompassing disposition of reverential awe, deep respect, and obedient submission to the Lord, recognizing Him as the sovereign and just ruler who ultimately determines true prosperity and righteousness.

Cross References

Context

Proverbs 23 is a continuation of "the words of the wise," a collection of ethical instructions guiding a "son" (or disciple) towards prudent living. The chapter addresses various life scenarios, including proper conduct at tables, avoiding ill-gotten gain, warning against gluttony, and the perils of excessive drinking. Verse 17 directly precedes a promise of future hope for those who fear the Lord (Prov 23:18), thus framing the envy of sinners as a distraction from one's secure spiritual future. Historically and culturally, in both ancient Israel and surrounding nations, there was a visible struggle with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This proverb confronts that widespread observation, asserting a theological and ethical counter-narrative to maintain steadfastness in faith despite what appears to be temporary success outside God's ways.

Word analysis

• Let not (אַל - 'al): This strong prohibitive particle functions as an urgent, absolute command to prevent an action or attitude. It highlights the seriousness of the warning.
• thine heart (לִבְּךָ - liv'kā): In Hebrew thought, the lev (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions but the entire inner person: the mind, will, intellect, desires, and moral center. This emphasis means the command goes beyond mere external behavior to the very core of one's being and intentions.
• envy (תְּקַנֵּא - təqannē'): From the root qana, meaning to be zealous, jealous, or envious. It denotes an intense, often resentful craving for what another has, coupled with an underlying dissatisfaction with one's own circumstances. In this context, it's about begrudging the seemingly good fortune of the wicked.
• sinners (חַטָּאִים - chaṭṭā'īm): From chata, meaning to miss the mark, transgress, or err against divine law. These are individuals who live apart from God's commands, pursuing selfish or worldly ends, and are often perceived as enjoying unpunished success or material comfort.
• but (כִּי - kī): A strong conjunction meaning "surely," "on the contrary," or "but rather." It signals a crucial alternative or opposition to the preceding prohibition, introducing the preferred course of action.
• be thou (הֱיֵה - hēyēh): An imperative verb meaning "be" or "become," commanding a continuous state or active choice. It's a call to perpetually adopt and live in the prescribed state.
• in the fear (בְּיִרְאַת - bəyir'at): Yir'at (fear) is a cornerstone of Proverbs. It describes a profound reverential awe, deep respect, honor, and willing submission to God, not terror. This fear generates obedience and motivates righteous living, being the source of true wisdom.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHVH): Refers to the sacred, covenantal name of God. This specifies that the "fear" is directed toward the one true, living, and sovereign God of Israel, highlighting His unique authority and holiness.
• all the day long (כָּל הַיּוֹם - kōl hayyōm): This temporal phrase signifies continuity, consistency, and an unending practice. It implies that the fear of the Lord should not be occasional but an ever-present guiding principle that permeates every moment, decision, and thought throughout one's entire life.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Let not thine heart envy sinners": This initial negative injunction targets the internal desire, not merely external actions. It recognizes a fundamental human temptation: to compare one's difficult path of righteousness with the apparently easy or successful path of the ungodly. The danger is not just the act of sin but the envious thought that begins in the heart, leading one to question God's justice or even wish for the transient advantages of sin. This envy reflects a distrust in God's ultimate plan and an unhealthy preoccupation with worldly measures of success.
• "but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long": This positive command provides the spiritual antidote and the proper focus. Instead of looking outward at the wicked with desire or resentment, one's inner being should be constantly immersed in an active, reverential awe of God. This fear is a dynamic, lifelong orientation that shapes values, motivations, and daily choices. The phrase "all the day long" underscores the consistent, enduring nature of this commitment, implying that every moment should be lived in the consciousness of God's presence, authority, and faithfulness, preventing worldly allurements from taking root.

Commentary

Proverbs 23:17 delivers a profound truth about spiritual well-being: the heart's true focus determines one's destiny. The temptation to envy the wicked arises when their temporary prosperity or unbridled freedom appears more appealing than the disciplined path of righteousness. This proverb confronts that illusion, emphasizing that such envy is a destructive internal posture that can derail faith and lead to adopting sinful ways. The remedy is an unwavering commitment to the "fear of the LORD"—a deep, continuous reverence and humble submission to God. This isn't a fearful dread but an awe-filled recognition of His sovereignty and wisdom, guiding every thought and action throughout one's waking hours. By cultivating this constant divine focus, one guards the heart against the allure of superficial worldly success, grounding oneself in God's eternal promises and justice. For example, when observing dishonest people seemingly accumulate wealth or evade consequences, the proverb directs the wise to internalize God's truth about lasting justice, rather than wishing to emulate the sinner's path or gains.

Bonus section

This proverb functions as an antithetical proverb, contrasting two diametrically opposed states of the heart: one focused on sinful worldly comparison (envy) and the other on a constant God-centered life (fear of the Lord). This stylistic choice powerfully illustrates that one cannot serve both masters; a choice must be made consistently. The "all the day long" emphasizes that fearing the Lord is not a momentary feeling or weekly ritual, but an embedded worldview that dictates life's course from waking to sleeping. This profound, continuous engagement with God directly prepares the reader for the subsequent promise in Proverbs 23:18, which guarantees that "surely there is a future, and thine expectation shall not be cut off." Thus, the daily practice of the fear of the LORD secures hope and an assured future, making the transient gains of sinners irrelevant and undeserving of any envy.