Proverbs 24:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not thou envious {H7065} against evil {H7451} men {H582}, neither desire {H183} to be with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be envious of evil people, and don't desire to be with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;

American Standard Version

Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:1 presents a dual exhortation, characteristic of biblical wisdom literature, cautioning the reader against two interconnected spiritual perils: the internal poison of envying the apparent prosperity or success of unrighteous individuals, and the external danger of desiring to associate with them or emulate their ungodly ways. This profound proverb calls believers to maintain unwavering moral and spiritual integrity, fostering contentment and trusting in God's ultimate justice rather than succumbing to the fleeting allure of worldly unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a collection of "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a section that, like much of Proverbs, employs sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, to instruct in discerning true wisdom and living a life pleasing to God. Proverbs 24:1 immediately precedes warnings about the destructive end of the wicked and the importance of fearing the Lord and the king, reinforcing the call to moral uprightness. It echoes earlier admonitions in the book, such as those found in [Proverbs 1:10-19](/proverbs/1-10-19 "Proverbs 1:10-19 - Warning Against Sinful Companions"), which advise against joining with those who plot evil, and sets the stage for later affirmations of God's justice, as seen in [Proverbs 24:19-20](/proverbs/24-19-20 "Proverbs 24:19-20 - The End of the Wicked"). The verse thus serves as a foundational principle for cultivating a life of integrity and steadfast faith in God's righteous order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in any society, it was a common human experience to observe individuals who disregarded God's laws seemingly prospering, acquiring wealth, power, or influence, while the righteous faced hardship or lacked such worldly advantages. This disparity could provoke deep questions about divine justice and tempt the faithful to become envious or to consider adopting the ways of the wicked for their own gain. The cultural milieu of the ancient Near East, with its emphasis on visible success and status, made this temptation particularly acute. Proverbs 24:1 directly addresses this existential dilemma, urging the Israelite, and by extension all believers, to resist the superficial allure of worldly success achieved through unrighteous means and to instead maintain their distinct identity as God's covenant people, whose values and associations are rooted in divine wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 24:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Primarily, it underscores the **danger of envy**, portraying it as a destructive internal state that distorts perception, fosters discontentment, and undermines trust in God's sovereignty. It also highlights the critical importance of **discerning association**, emphasizing that one's company profoundly influences character and destiny. The injunction "neither desire to be with them" extends beyond mere physical presence to a rejection of their values, lifestyle, and influence. Implicit within this warning is the theme of **trust in divine justice** and the **ultimate futility of wickedness**. While the wicked may appear to flourish temporarily, their end is often ruin, a truth repeatedly affirmed throughout wisdom literature, perhaps most famously in [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalm/37-1-2 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers"), which advises against fretting over evildoers, for they will soon fade like grass. The verse thus serves as a foundational principle for cultivating a life of integrity and steadfast faith in God's righteous order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **envious (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H7065) means "to be (causatively, make) zealous," but in a negative sense, it signifies "jealous" or "envious." In Proverbs 24:1, it specifically denotes a covetous resentment or ill-will directed towards the perceived success, ease, or advantages of others, particularly those who are "evil men." It implies a desire for what another possesses, coupled with a negative emotional response to their possession of it, often leading to discontentment with one's own lot.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Derived from H7451, this term refers to something "bad" or "evil," encompassing both natural misfortunes and moral wickedness. In this context, "evil men" (Hebrew: _ʼĕnôwsh_ H582, referring to humanity in general, often with a connotation of frailty or mortality, here combined with _raʻ_) are those whose character, actions, and lifestyle are contrary to God's commands and righteous living. They are individuals who operate outside of divine wisdom and often achieve their goals through unjust or ungodly means, embodying moral corruption.
* **desire (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H183) means "to wish for," "covet," or "long after." When applied to "being with them," it implies more than a casual wish; it suggests a deep longing, inclination, or even a lust to share in their company, their lifestyle, their values, or their perceived benefits. This is a potent warning against internalizing the allure of their ways and actively seeking to participate in their unrighteousness, indicating a dangerous shift in one's moral compass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not thou envious against evil men":** This is a direct, imperative command to the reader, emphasizing a prohibition against an internal state. It warns against the sin of envy, specifically targeting those who are morally corrupt but may appear to be prospering or enjoying worldly success. The emphasis is on guarding one's heart and mind from coveting the superficial gains or apparent ease of the wicked, recognizing that such envy is a destructive emotion that undermines contentment, fosters bitterness, and erodes faith in God's ultimate justice and righteous order.
* **"neither desire to be with them":** This second imperative extends the warning from an internal disposition to an external inclination and potential action. It's not enough to suppress envy; one must also actively resist the urge to join, emulate, or align oneself with wicked individuals. "To be with them" implies more than just physical proximity; it suggests a deep longing or inclination to share in their company, their lifestyle, their values, or their perceived benefits, which would inevitably compromise one's own moral and spiritual integrity, leading to spiritual decay and a departure from the path of righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:1 employs several subtle but effective literary devices that enhance its instructional power. The most prominent is an implicit **Antithesis**, which, by warning against association with "evil men," inherently contrasts their destructive path with the path of the righteous, which the book of Proverbs consistently commends. This creates a moral dichotomy for the reader, urging a clear choice between two distinct ways of life. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Be not," "neither desire") provides a direct, authoritative command, emphasizing the urgency, gravity, and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. Furthermore, there is a clear form of **Parallelism**, specifically complementary or synthetic parallelism, between the two clauses. "Envious against evil men" (an internal attitude or emotional state) is paralleled by "neither desire to be with them" (an external inclination leading to association), showing how internal attitudes often lead to external choices, and both are equally dangerous to one's spiritual well-being. This structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of the warning, addressing both the heart and the actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:1 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of human nature, God's character, and the nature of wisdom. The warning against envy speaks to the pervasive human tendency to compare oneself to others, particularly when perceived disparities in fortune arise. The Bible consistently condemns envy as a destructive sin, stemming from a lack of contentment, trust in God's sovereign provision, and faith in His ultimate justice. The prohibition against desiring to associate with the wicked underscores the theological truth that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33). God calls His people to be distinct, set apart from the world's values and practices, recognizing that true flourishing and enduring blessing come from alignment with His righteous ways, not from worldly success achieved through ungodly means. This verse implicitly calls believers to a life of faith, trusting that God's ultimate justice will prevail, even when the wicked appear to prosper in the short term, and to resist conformity to the world's patterns ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")).

* [Psalm 73:3-17](/psalm/73-3-17 "Psalm 73:3-17 - Asaph's Struggle with Envy of the Wicked")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:1 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, offering timeless wisdom for navigating a world where unrighteousness often seems to yield immediate rewards, widespread acclaim, or material prosperity. It challenges us to examine our hearts for the subtle seeds of envy that can sprout into bitterness, discontentment, and a questioning of God's justice, especially when we observe others who disregard God's ways achieving worldly success. More than an internal struggle, the verse also calls us to a radical discernment in our associations, reminding us that the company we keep profoundly shapes our character, values, and spiritual trajectory. In a culture that often celebrates fame and fortune regardless of their source, this proverb urges us to prioritize spiritual integrity, righteous living, and a steadfast trust in God's ultimate plan over fleeting worldly advantages or the deceptive allure of ungodly lifestyles. It's a call to cultivate a distinct, Christ-like character, unswayed by the world's fleeting standards and rooted in eternal values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most tempted to envy others, especially those who do not share your values or live by God's standards?**
* **How do your current associations or desired associations reflect (or contradict) the wisdom of this proverb regarding the influence of "evil men"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against the insidious nature of envy and to choose your company more wisely, aligning with God's wisdom?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice and His eternal perspective help you resist the temptation to envy or desire to be with "evil men"?**

### FAQ

**What does "evil men" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs, "evil men" (Hebrew: *raʻ* combined with *ʼĕnôwsh*) refers to those whose character, actions, and lifestyle are contrary to God's commands and righteous living. They are individuals who operate outside of divine wisdom, often engaging in injustice, deception, violence, or general disregard for moral boundaries. The term doesn't necessarily imply extreme criminality but rather a fundamental disposition of the heart that is opposed to God's moral order and the path of righteousness that Proverbs advocates. They are those whose ways are ultimately destructive, even if they appear to prosper temporarily.

**Why is it so dangerous to "desire to be with them"?**

Answer: The danger lies in the corrupting influence of ungodly association and the subtle erosion of one's own moral compass. "To be with them" implies more than just physical presence; it suggests a longing to share in their lifestyle, adopt their values, emulate their ungodly practices, or seek their approval and perceived benefits. This desire can lead to compromise, where one's own moral integrity is eroded, and one begins to adopt the ways of the wicked, moving away from God's path. As [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals") famously states, "Bad company corrupts good character." This proverb warns against both the internal inclination and the external action of aligning oneself with unrighteousness, as it inevitably leads to spiritual decline.

**Does this mean I should never interact with non-believers or those who do not share my values?**

Answer: Not at all. The warning is against *desiring to be with them* in a way that implies adopting their values, emulating their ungodly practices, or seeking their approval at the expense of one's own integrity and commitment to God. It's a caution against being influenced by their unrighteousness, not against engaging with them for purposes of witness, service, or normal societal interaction. Jesus Himself ate with "tax collectors and sinners" ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), demonstrating compassion and seeking to call them to repentance, but He never compromised His own righteousness or adopted their sinful ways. Believers are called to be "salt and light" in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")), which necessitates interaction. The key is discernment, maintaining one's distinct identity in Christ, and ensuring that our influence is upon them, rather than their ungodly influence upon us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against envying and associating with "evil men," Jesus perfectly embodied the opposite: He never envied the worldly power, fleeting popularity, or material possessions of those who opposed Him, nor did He desire to conform to their ungodly systems. Instead, He consistently exposed the emptiness of worldly ambition and the futility of life apart from God, as seen in His teaching on true treasure in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") and His refusal of the devil's worldly temptations ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). Furthermore, though He ministered among sinners and outcasts, He never desired to be *with them* in the sense of adopting their sin or compromising His divine nature; rather, He called them to repentance and new life, demonstrating a perfect balance of compassion and uncompromising righteousness. The call to be distinct from the world, echoed in passages like [John 15:19](/john/15-19 "John 15:19 - Not of the World") and [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World"), finds its source and strength in Christ, who perfectly resisted the allure of worldly power and popularity. He is the ultimate example of one who did not envy the wicked but instead offered a superior way of life, culminating in His sacrifice that delivers us from the power of evil ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")) and His future reign, where all unrighteousness will face ultimate judgment ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, living out Proverbs 24:1 is ultimately a call to live "in Christ," drawing strength from His example and seeking His righteousness above all else.

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

Psalms 37:7

¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Proverbs 3:31

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

James 4:5

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Proverbs 23:17

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

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.