Proverbs 23:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let not thine heart {H3820} envy {H7065} sinners {H2400}: but be thou in the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} all the day {H3117} long.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't envy sinners, but follow the example of those who always fear God;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Let not thy heart envy sinners; Butbe thouin the fear of Jehovah all the day long:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:17 delivers a profound ethical and spiritual imperative, cautioning against the destructive temptation to envy those who live outside of God's ways, often appearing to prosper. Instead, it directs the heart towards a continuous, all-encompassing reverence for the LORD, presenting this fear as the true and enduring source of wisdom, stability, and well-being, which ultimately safeguards the believer from the fleeting allure of worldly success gained through unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:17 is nestled within a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within the section often titled "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This section comprises thirty distinct instructions, presented as a father's counsel to his son, emphasizing practical wisdom for daily living. The immediate verses leading up to 23:17 discuss themes of self-control, particularly regarding gluttony and covetousness (Proverbs 23:1-8), and warnings against exploiting the vulnerable (Proverbs 23:10-11). Following 23:17, the discourse continues to advocate for discipline and wisdom, contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish, and highlighting the ultimate destinies associated with each. The verse serves as a pivotal ethical instruction, shifting focus from external temptations to the internal disposition of the heart.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many cultures of the Near East, valued wisdom as a practical skill for navigating life successfully. The "fear of the LORD" was foundational to their worldview, not as a servile dread, but as a profound reverence and awe that led to moral obedience and flourishing. The temptation to envy sinners was a perennial human struggle, exacerbated in a world where divine justice might not always appear immediate or evident. The prosperity of the wicked, though often temporary, could be a significant stumbling block for the righteous, leading to questions about God's fairness. This proverb addresses that very tension, offering a counter-cultural perspective rooted in a covenantal relationship with God, where true blessedness is found in alignment with His will, not in material accumulation or worldly status.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between the righteous and the wicked**, a recurring motif that underscores the divergent paths and ultimate destinies of those who follow God and those who do not (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and Wicked")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **centrality of the heart** as the wellspring of life and the primary battleground for spiritual integrity, urging its protection above all else (cf. [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). Thirdly, and most significantly, it champions the **"fear of the LORD"** as the bedrock of true wisdom and the antidote to worldly temptations. This concept, repeatedly affirmed as the "beginning of knowledge" or "wisdom" (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"), [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Beginning of Wisdom")), is presented here as the ultimate safeguard against envy and discontentment, fostering a life of steadfast devotion "all the day long."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **envy (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** From H7065, this primitive root signifies "to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious." In this context, it denotes a destructive, negative emotion—a covetous, resentful longing for what others possess, particularly when those others are "sinners" who seem to escape negative consequences or even thrive. This envy is not merely admiration but a deep-seated discontent that can lead to bitterness and a questioning of God's justice.
* **sinners (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼ'_):** From H2400, this term refers to "a criminal, or one accounted guilty; offender, sinful, sinner." It describes individuals who consistently miss the mark of God's righteous standards, living in rebellion or disregard for His commands. The temptation to envy such persons arises when their apparent prosperity or freedom from immediate judgment seems to contradict divine principles of justice.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** From H3374, this feminine noun denotes "fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence." In the context of "fear of the LORD," it carries the profound meaning of reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's holiness, power, and authority. It is not a terror that drives one away, but a holy dread that draws one into obedience and worship, recognizing God's sovereignty and wisdom as the ultimate guide for life.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. It refers to the covenant God of Israel, the one true God who is faithful to His promises and whose character is the ultimate standard of righteousness and justice. Placing one's "fear" in YHWH means acknowledging His absolute supremacy and aligning one's life with His divine will.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this word refers to "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb)." In the phrase "all the day long," it emphasizes the continuous, perpetual nature of the required posture. It implies a lifestyle of consistent devotion, not merely a momentary feeling or occasional act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not thine heart envy sinners:"** This opening clause issues a direct prohibition, targeting the internal disposition ("thine heart") as the source of envy. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will—the very core of one's being. The command is not merely to avoid outwardly expressing envy, but to guard the inner self from this destructive emotion when observing the apparent success or unpunished actions of "sinners," those who disregard God's ways.
* **"but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."** This second clause presents the positive counter-command and the spiritual antidote to envy. Instead of focusing on the perceived prosperity of the wicked, the instruction redirects the individual to cultivate a continuous, abiding reverence ("fear") for "the LORD" (YHWH). The phrase "all the day long" underscores the perpetual nature of this posture, implying that the fear of the LORD is not a fleeting emotion but a lifestyle—a constant awareness of God's presence, sovereignty, and moral standards that shapes every thought, decision, and action throughout one's life. This sustained reverence provides a stable foundation that guards against the fleeting temptations of worldly comparison.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. Firstly, **Antithetical Parallelism** is central, contrasting the negative command ("Let not thine heart envy sinners") with the positive imperative ("but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long"). This structure highlights the direct opposition between two ways of living and thinking, presenting a clear choice. Secondly, the use of **Imperative Mood** ("Let not... envy," "be thou") provides a direct, authoritative instruction, typical of wisdom literature, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of the command. Thirdly, **Metonymy** is present in "thine heart," where the heart stands for the entire inner person—one's thoughts, emotions, and will. This emphasizes that the battle against envy is primarily an internal one. Finally, the phrase "all the day long" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying a continuous, unbroken state, emphasizing the pervasive and constant nature of the required fear of the LORD, rather than a literal 24-hour vigilance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:17 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: true prosperity and security are found not in worldly gain or the absence of immediate consequences for sin, but in a right relationship with God, characterized by reverential fear and obedience. The temptation to envy sinners often stems from a distorted perception of justice and a short-sighted view of reality, failing to recognize the ultimate futility of a life lived apart from God. The "fear of the LORD" provides the necessary corrective lens, anchoring the believer in eternal truths and divine wisdom, thereby guarding the heart from bitterness, covetousness, and spiritual compromise. It shifts focus from fleeting earthly circumstances to the unchanging character and promises of God, offering a stable and joyful alternative to the turmoil of envy.

* [Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - The Psalmist's Struggle with Envy")
* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers")
* [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "Malachi 3:18 - Distinction Between Righteous and Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often celebrates outward success regardless of its source, the temptation to envy those who seem to "get away with it" or even thrive through unrighteous means remains potent. Proverbs 23:17 calls us to a radical reorientation of our desires and focus. It challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts, asking whether our contentment is rooted in God's provision and presence, or if we are constantly comparing ourselves to others, especially those whose values are contrary to God's. Cultivating the "fear of the LORD" means intentionally choosing to live in awe of God's holiness, wisdom, and justice, trusting that His ways are always superior, even when they seem to lead to less immediate worldly reward. This daily, conscious choice to reverence God above all else is the ultimate guard against the corrosive effects of envy, leading instead to true peace, joy, and spiritual stability that the world cannot offer or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations or individuals in your life tempt you to envy "sinners" or those who disregard God's ways?**
* **How does a focus on the "fear of the LORD" practically counteract the temptation to envy?**
* **What does it look like to live "in the fear of the LORD all the day long" in your daily routines and decision-making?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper reverence for God transform your perspective on success, justice, and true blessedness?**

### FAQ
**What does "envy sinners" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Envy sinners" refers to the destructive temptation to resent or covet the apparent prosperity, freedom, or lack of immediate consequences experienced by those who live in disregard of God's commands. It's a feeling of discontentment with one's own lot, arising from a comparison with the seemingly easier or more successful lives of the unrighteous. This envy can lead to questioning God's justice and even to adopting ungodly practices in pursuit of similar worldly gains. The book of [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Problem of the Prosperity of the Wicked") famously explores this very struggle, ultimately concluding with the fleeting nature of the wicked's success.

**What is meant by "the fear of the LORD"?**

Answer: In biblical wisdom literature, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yir'at Yahweh*) is not a terror or servile dread of God, but a profound and reverential awe, respect, and submission to His holiness, power, and authority. It implies a recognition of His sovereignty, His moral perfection, and His ultimate control over all things. This holy fear leads to a desire to live in obedience to His will, trust in His wisdom, and worship Him as the one true God. It is consistently presented as the [beginning of wisdom and knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and the [source of true life and blessing](/proverbs/14-27 "Proverbs 14:27 - The Fear of the LORD is a Fountain of Life").

**Why is it important to be in the "fear of the LORD all the day long"?**

Answer: The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the continuous, pervasive, and habitual nature of the "fear of the LORD." It means that reverence for God should not be a momentary feeling or an occasional act, but a constant posture of the heart that informs every thought, decision, and action throughout one's life. This continuous focus on God guards the heart against the fleeting allure of worldly success and the corrosive effects of envy. It provides a stable, unchanging anchor in a world of shifting values, ensuring that one's perspective remains aligned with divine truth and one's joy is rooted in God's presence rather than external circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:17, with its call to resist envy and embrace the fear of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly lived in the "fear of the LORD," demonstrating complete submission and reverence for His Father in every aspect of His life. Unlike humanity, Jesus never succumbed to the temptation to envy the worldly power or temporary prosperity of sinners, even when faced with immense suffering and injustice. Instead, He consistently fixed His gaze on His Father's will, embodying the very wisdom that Proverbs commends.

Moreover, Christ is the means by which we, too, can overcome envy and truly live in the fear of the LORD. Through His atoning sacrifice, He has delivered us from the power of sin, including the sin of envy, and has given us His Spirit, enabling us to walk in newness of life. The "fear of the LORD" for the New Testament believer is transformed into a loving reverence for God as our Heavenly Father, made possible through our union with Christ. As believers, we are called to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")), and to be content in Christ, knowing that He is our ultimate treasure ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Secret of Contentment")). The life of Christ, His teachings, and His ultimate victory over sin and death provide the perfect antidote to envy, offering a true and lasting satisfaction that the world cannot provide or take away, leading us to live in faithful devotion to God "all the day long" by the power of His indwelling Spirit ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 28:14

¶ Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

1 Peter 1:17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Proverbs 15:16

¶ Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Proverbs 3:31

Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.