We are told today, “Do not envy the wicked.” But we have to ask ourselves the question, why would we do that in the first place? Why would we be tempted by that? Well, we look at the world today, and it can seem like the wicked prosper, like they are the ones who get ahead. But we know when we consider the work of God that, in the end, that will not be the case; God sees and God judges. Let’s leave that up to Him. However, that means we must not rejoice in the suffering of our enemies, but we must love even them.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you as we continue our journey through Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 24, and it’s remarkable how we’re approaching the end of this insightful book. A special shoutout to Brett, who’s keen on exploring Daniel—I promise, we’ll get there eventually. For now, let’s unravel the wisdom in Proverbs 24.

One thing that caught my attention today is a recurring theme about not envying the wicked. This counsel is echoed in verse 1-2 and again in verses 19-20. The message is clear: resist the temptation to be envious of those who walk the path of wickedness. But why would we be tempted to envy them?

Psalm 73 sheds light on this. It beautifully captures the struggle we face when observing the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous. It seems like cheating and immorality lead to success, and we may be enticed to adopt their ways. Yet, Proverbs and Psalm 73 remind us that this is not a wise choice. The wicked may enjoy fleeting success, but their ultimate destiny is destruction. It’s a sobering reminder to keep our focus on God and not be swayed by the temporary gains of the unrighteous.

Verse 17 struck a chord with me as well. It advises against rejoicing when our enemies face difficulties. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching to pray for our enemies. As Christians, our love isn’t reserved for those who agree with us; it extends even to those who oppose us. Rejoicing in others’ misfortune hardens our hearts and leads down a dangerous path. It’s a challenge to maintain a compassionate and loving attitude, especially towards those we may perceive as enemies. But it’s a crucial aspect of embodying Christ’s teachings.

In essence, guard your heart against envy and rejoice not in the downfall of others, even those who may seem like enemies. These actions, if entertained, pave the way for a hardened heart—a heart that mirrors the very evil we seek to avoid.

So, let’s watch our hearts closely today. Resist the allure of envying the wicked, and instead, keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. As we navigate the complexities of relationships, let’s strive to love even those we may consider adversaries.

Thank you for sharing this time with me. Tomorrow, we’ll delve into Proverbs 25. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!