What do I really have to be jealous of?

May 11, 2026

Don’t Envy Sinners

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Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:17-18 (NET)

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When are you more likely to find yourself envying sinners?

When times are going great or when times are tough?

Pretty easy answer.

Don’t fall into the trap of envying others just to escape the pain of present struggles.

For one thing, throughout the book of Proverbs it’s clear that people who are wicked (e.g., sinners) will get their comeuppance.

It may take years and years for it to happen.

And maybe God is being gracious & patient with them, giving them chance after chance to repent and turn away from their sin. We want Him to do the same for us, so we should grant room for that to happen to current sinners too.

Eventually, God balances everything out.

Our sin was punished -- on the cross.

Their sin may not be punished here on the earth (although it’s likely that it will in some way) but it’s certainly punished either on the cross or in eternal damnation.

It’s a harsh reality and it keeps me humble.

When I’m envying sinners and I remember this truth, it cuts right through my envy.

Instead of jealousy, I feel pity & sadness.

I have hope and an eternal future. They might have that hope, or they may have eternal despair & punishment.