Proverbs 24:1

Saying 20

1 Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;

Proverbs 24:1 in Other Translations

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

1 Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,

1 Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.

1 Don't envy bad people; don't even want to be around them.

1 Don't envy evil men or desire to be with them,

Proverbs 24:1 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 24:1

Be not thou envious against evil men
Or, "men of evil" {b}. Such who are addicted to evil, and given up to it, whose principles and practices are bad; such as are before described in the preceding chapter; gluttons and drunkards, men given to women and wine: envy not their present prosperity, or seeming pleasure they have in the gratification of their sensual appetites; since woe and sorrow, wounds and strife, now attend them, and poverty and want will follow them; as well as everlasting ruin and destruction will be their portion hereafter; (See Gill on Proverbs 23:17); and compare with this ( Proverbs 24:21 Proverbs 24:27 Proverbs 24:29 Proverbs 24:32 ) ; neither desire to be with them;
to be in their company; to have any conversation and fellowship with them, which is very infectious, dangerous, and pernicious; nor even to be in the same state, condition, and circumstances they are in; much less to do as they do, and imitate them in their sinful courses; as you would not choose to be with them in hell hereafter, do not desire to be with them here.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (her yvnab) "viros mali", Baynus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 24:1 In-Context

1 Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;

2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

5 The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3; Proverbs 3:31-32; Proverbs 23:17-18