Proverbs 24:1

Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Proverbs 24:1 (KJV)

Context

This verse opens a new section in Proverbs 24. The preceding chapter describes people given to gluttony, drunkenness, and sensual indulgence. The warning here stands as a direct contrast: do not envy such people or desire their company.

Meaning

The verse has two commands. First, do not envy evil men. The Hebrew phrase rendered “evil men” literally means “men of evil“—those whose principles and practices are bad. Second, do not desire to be with them. The warning is not merely about feelings; it is about the danger of adopting their ways or joining their company. Envy of their apparent success can lead a person to imitate them.

The verse does not promise that the righteous will always prosper in this life. It affirms that the wicked’s apparent success is not a true good. Their prosperity is temporary, and their end is destruction. The command calls readers to trust God’s justice and to align their desires with His wisdom.

Biblical connections

The immediate context in Proverbs 23:17-18 encourages not envying sinners because there is a future reward for the righteous. The surrounding chapter also connects to themes of fearing God and avoiding rebellion, as seen in Proverbs 24:21-22. These passages together teach that the wicked face present troubles and future ruin, while the righteous have a secure hope.

Application

Readers should examine their own desires. Do they secretly wish for the ease or pleasure that evil people seem to enjoy? Do they long for their company? The command is to guard the heart against coveting what the wicked have and to choose companions wisely, seeking fellowship with the righteous instead.

Reflection

This verse is a call to trust God’s justice. When the wicked seem to prosper, the believer is not to envy them or join them. Instead, the believer is to rest in the certainty that God sees all and will set all things right in His time.