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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 23:17–18.
Here is, 1. A necessary caution against entertaining any favourable thoughts of prospering profaneness: "Let not thy heart envy sinners; do not grudge them either the liberty they take to sin or the success they are to be pitied rather than envied. Their prosperity is their portion (Psa 73:3), nay, it is their poison," Pro 1:32. We must not harbour in our hearts any secret discontent at the providence of God, though it seem to smile upon them, nor wish ourselves in their condition. "Let not thy heart imitate sinners" (so some read it); do not as they do; walk not in the way with them; use not the methods they take to enrich themselves, though they thrive by them. 2. An excellent direction to maintain high thoughts of God in our minds at all times: Be thou in the fear of the Lord every day and all the day long. We must be in the fear of the Lord as in our employment, exercising ourselves in holy adorings of God, in subjection to his precepts, submission to his providences, and a constant care to please him; we must be in it as in our element, taking a pleasure in contemplating God's glory and complying with his will. We must be devoted to his fear (Psa 119:38); and governed by it as our commanding principle in all we say and do. All the days of our life we must constantly keep up an awe of God upon our spirits, must pay a deference to his authority, and have a dread of his wrath. We must be always so in his fear as never to be out of it. 3. A good reason for both of these (Pro 23:18): Surely there is an end, an end and expectation, as Jer 29:11. There will be an end of the prosperity of the wicked, therefore do not envy them (Psa 73:17); there will be an end of thy afflictions, therefore be not weary of them, an end of thy services, thy work and warfare will be accomplished, perfect love will shortly cast out fear, and thy expectation of the reward not only will be not cut off, or disappointed, but it will be infinitely outdone. The consideration of the end will help to reconcile us to all the difficulties and discouragements of the way.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, etc. If throughout the whole day, that is, the whole time you dwell in the light of this world, you strive both to avoid the examples of sinners and to fear the Lord, you will have the hope of blessed reward at the last, that is, when you reach the end of this life, with him also attesting, who said: Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2).
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Summary
Proverbs 23:17 issues a profound ethical and spiritual imperative, cautioning the believer against the destructive temptation to envy those who disregard God's ways and yet appear to prosper. Instead, it redirects 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. This steadfast devotion ultimately safeguards the individual from the fleeting allure of worldly success gained through unrighteousness, anchoring them in divine truth and eternal perspective.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 23:17 is situated within a significant collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which are presented as thirty distinct instructions from a father to his son. This section emphasizes practical wisdom for navigating life's complexities with integrity. Immediately preceding this verse, the text addresses themes of self-control, particularly regarding gluttony and covetousness (Proverbs 23:1-8), and warns against exploiting the vulnerable (Proverbs 23:10-11). Following 23:17, the discourse continues to advocate for discipline, diligence, and the pursuit of wisdom, contrasting the ultimate destinies of the wise and the foolish. The verse serves as a pivotal ethical instruction, shifting focus from external temptations and behaviors to the internal disposition of the heart, highlighting the critical importance of one's inner orientation.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israelite society, like many cultures in the ancient Near East, highly valued wisdom as a practical means for successful living. The concept of the "fear of the LORD" was foundational to their worldview, understood not as servile dread but as a profound reverence and awe that naturally led to moral obedience and societal flourishing. The temptation to envy sinners was a perennial human struggle, particularly in a world where divine justice might not always appear immediate or evident. The apparent prosperity of the wicked, even if temporary, could be a significant stumbling block for the righteous, leading to questions about God's fairness and the benefits of a righteous life. This proverb directly addresses that tension, offering a counter-cultural perspective rooted in Israel's covenantal relationship with God, where true blessedness and lasting security are found in alignment with His will, rather than in material accumulation or worldly status.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader 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, as seen in passages like Proverbs 4:18-19. 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, a principle echoed in Proverbs 4:23. Thirdly, and most significantly, it champions the "fear of the LORD" as the bedrock of true wisdom and the ultimate antidote to worldly temptations. This concept, repeatedly affirmed as the "beginning of knowledge" or "wisdom" (e.g., Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10), 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
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.
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, leading the observer to question the value of righteousness.
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. This fear is the antidote to envy, as it reorients one's perspective to God's eternal justice rather than fleeting earthly appearances.
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. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" 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. This warns against allowing discontentment and covetousness to take root within one's deepest being.
"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 or an occasional act, 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 and the corrosive effects of envy.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with clarity and impact. 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 and emphasizing the superiority of the latter. Secondly, the use of Imperative Mood ("Let not... envy," "be thou") provides a direct, authoritative instruction, typical of wisdom literature, underscoring 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, originating from the core of one's being. 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, security, and contentment 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 obedient trust. 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 and spiritual emptiness 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 and discontentment of envy.
Reflection and Application
In a world that often celebrates outward success, regardless of its ethical or spiritual 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
FAQ
What does "envy sinners" mean in this context?
"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 famously explores this very struggle, ultimately concluding with the fleeting nature of the wicked's success and the ultimate security found in God.
What is meant by "the fear of the LORD"?
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 and the source of true life and blessing.
Why is it important to be in the "fear of the LORD all the day long"?
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. It is a call to consistent devotion, recognizing God's sovereignty over every moment.
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, declaring that His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him (John 4:34).
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), and to be content in Christ, knowing that He is our ultimate treasure (Philippians 4:11-13). 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).