Proverbs 24:19 kjv

Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

Proverbs 24:19 nkjv

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked;

Proverbs 24:19 niv

Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked,

Proverbs 24:19 esv

Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,

Proverbs 24:19 nlt

Don't fret because of evildoers;
don't envy the wicked.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 19 Meaning

Proverbs 24:19 instructs believers not to become distressed, agitated, or anxious when observing the temporary success or apparent lack of immediate judgment against evildoers. It simultaneously warns against developing a sense of envy or covetousness for the prosperity or worldly advantages that the wicked may seem to possess. The core message is an exhortation to maintain trust in God's justice and sovereignty, rather than reacting with internal turmoil or desire for unrighteous gain when faced with the problem of evil's seeming triumph.

Proverbs 24 19 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is part of a larger collection often referred to as "the words of the wise." This specific chapter continues to offer a series of disconnected but related proverbs providing practical wisdom for righteous living. The broader theme involves the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, and particularly, the consequences of walking in uprightness versus the path of evil. Verses 15-18 immediately precede our verse, speaking of the righteous man's resilience and God's disapproval of taking pleasure in an enemy's stumble, which implies a context of maintaining one's own righteousness and leaving judgment to God.

Historically and culturally, the ancient Israelite worldview, like much of the Ancient Near East, often correlated prosperity and long life with divine favor, and misfortune with divine displeasure. This created a profound dilemma (the "theodicy" problem) when righteous individuals suffered or the wicked flourished. Proverbs, along with books like Job and Psalms (especially Ps 37, 73), directly addresses this theological tension. The counsel to "fret not" and "be not envious" serves as a counter-polemic against the natural human tendency to question God's justice or to fall into despair or sinful covetousness when faced with this apparent paradox. It asserts that appearances are deceiving and that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

Proverbs 24 19 Word analysis

• Fret not thyself / Do not fret (אַל־תִּתְחַר, al-titchar):
  • אַל (al): A negative particle, indicating prohibition, "do not."
  • תִּתְחַר (titchar): From the root חָרָה (charah), meaning "to be angry," "to burn," "to be incensed," or "to be inflamed." In this form (Hithpael), it signifies a reflexive or intensive action: "to burn oneself up," "to show oneself heated," "to be indignant," or "to vex oneself." It denotes internal agitation, distress, resentment, or vexation that can lead to an outburst of anger or deep anxiety. The prohibition is against allowing internal turmoil to arise due to external circumstances.
• Because of evildoers (בַמְרֵעִים, vam're'im):
  • בַ (va-): The prefix "in, among, concerning."
  • מְרֵעִים (m're'im): Plural of the participle from the root רָעַע (ra'a'), meaning "to do evil," "to act wickedly," "to injure," or "to harm." It refers to those who are actively performing evil acts or whose nature is characterized by malice and harm. This includes the doers of injustice, oppression, and immorality.
• Neither be thou envious / Nor be envious (וְאַל־תְּקַנֵּא, v'al-t'qanne):
  • וְאַל (v'al): "And not," or "neither."
  • תְּקַנֵּא (t'qanne): From the root קָנָא (qana'), which can mean "to be zealous," "to be jealous," or "to be envious." In this context, it is predominantly "to be envious." It implies a coveting of what others have, especially when those others are the wicked who have acquired wealth, power, or ease through unjust means. It signifies a bitter longing or resentment that can lead to embittered spirits or a desire to imitate their paths.
• At the wicked (בָרְשָׁעִים, var'shaim):
  • בָ (va-): The prefix "at, concerning."
  • רְשָׁעִים (r'shaim): Plural of רָשָׁע (rasha'), meaning "wicked," "guilty," "unrighteous." This term denotes those who stand condemned or are found guilty by moral and divine law; their character is inherently ungodly and in opposition to righteousness. It describes their intrinsic state as unholy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Fret not thyself because of evildoers": This phrase warns against an internal emotional response – specifically, agitation, anger, or anxiety – that arises from observing the actions or apparent success of those who actively engage in wrongdoing. It's about protecting one's inner peace and preventing destructive emotions from taking root when facing societal or personal injustices perpetrated by the wicked. This kind of fretting implies a lack of trust in divine justice or providence.
• "Neither be thou envious at the wicked": This second part broadens the scope from internal distress to covetous desire. It warns against longing for, or begrudging, the seeming advantages (wealth, power, freedom from consequence) enjoyed by those whose character is inherently ungodly. Envy here can lead to bitterness, discontent, or even the temptation to compromise one's own righteousness in an attempt to attain similar worldly benefits. The distinction between "evildoers" (who commit evil deeds) and "the wicked" (whose character is evil) reinforces the comprehensive warning against reacting negatively to both their actions and their nature/status.

Proverbs 24 19 Bonus section

This proverb serves as a crucial antidote to the "theodicy" problem – the ancient and perennial human struggle with understanding why a good God allows evil to prosper, even temporarily. By prohibiting both internal distress and envy, it guides the believer to shift their perspective from human, limited observation to divine, eternal truth. It underscores the biblical principle that present appearances are not the final reality. The wicked may flourish for a season, but their end is certain destruction, while the righteous, who may suffer temporarily, have an enduring hope and reward. Overcoming the impulse to fret or envy requires profound trust in God's character, His perfect timing, and His ultimate control over all circumstances. This trust frees the believer from the entanglement of sinful emotions and enables them to continue walking righteously regardless of their outward circumstances or the apparent success of others. It encourages a focus on what is eternal and true, rather than on the transient allure of worldly success obtained by ungodly means.

Proverbs 24 19 Commentary

Proverbs 24:19 delivers a twofold warning vital for maintaining spiritual integrity and peace. Firstly, the admonition "Do not fret" addresses the emotional and mental turmoil that can arise when righteous individuals witness the apparent prosperity or unhindered operation of those who do evil. Such a sight can provoke anger, frustration, or a crisis of faith, leading to questioning God's justice or even falling into despair. However, wisdom dictates that such agitation is futile and counterproductive; it saps spiritual strength and detracts from one's own path of righteousness. Instead, the wise believer is called to a posture of trust and calm.

Secondly, the command "Nor be envious" targets a more subtle but equally destructive internal state: covetousness. Seeing the wicked gain wealth, influence, or pleasure can tempt a righteous person to desire what they have, even if attained through ungodly means. This envy is rooted in a misapprehension of true value, overlooking the fleeting nature of the wicked's gain and the certain, ultimate judgment that awaits them. The passage, in harmony with numerous Psalms (e.g., Ps 37, 73), encourages believers to focus not on the temporary fortunes of the unrighteous, but on God's enduring justice and the eternal recompense for both the righteous and the wicked. The next verse (Prov 24:20) immediately provides the rationale: the wicked have no lasting hope or reward; their "lamp" will be extinguished. The focus shifts from the superficial present to the divinely assured future, where all accounts are settled by a righteous God.

Examples for practical usage:

• When news reports detail corruption scandals where culprits appear to escape justice, rather than feeling deep frustration or wishing to partake in similar schemes, trust that God sees all and His justice will prevail.
• If a competitor thrives through unethical practices, avoid stewing in anger or considering cutting corners yourself; instead, focus on diligence and integrity in your own work.
• In social media, seeing others flaunt material possessions gained illicitly, resist the urge to covet their lifestyle or feel bitter about your own circumstances; remember true lasting peace and blessing come from God.