CINXE.COM

Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_23_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:17 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm" title="Proverbs 23:16">&#9668;</a> Proverbs 23:17 <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm" title="Proverbs 23:18">&#9658;</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let not thine heart envy sinners: but <i>be thou</i> in the fear of the LORD all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, But <i>be zealous</i> for the fear of the LORD all the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, But <i>live</i> in the fear of the LORD always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, But <i>live</i> in the fear of the LORD always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not let your heart be jealous of sinners, But <i>be zealous</i> in the fear of Yahweh always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation], But [continue to] live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD day by day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let not thy heart envy sinners; But be thou in the fear of Jehovah all the day long:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be jealous of sinners, but always honor the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Do not envy sinners in your heart. Instead, continue to fear the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Never let yourself envy sinners; instead, remain in fear of the LORD every day,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the LORD all the time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear the LORD all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear Yahweh all day long. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not let your heart be envious at sinners, "" But&#8212;in the fear of YHWH all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Let not thy heart be envious at sinners, But -- in the fear of Jehovah all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thy heart shall not envy against those sinning: but be in the fear of Jehovah all the day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let not your heart compete with sinners. But be in the fear of the Lord all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but only those who always fear the LORD; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let not your heart envy sinners; but revere the LORD all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Let not your heart envy sinners but be zealous for the awe of LORD JEHOVAH all day long.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let not thy heart envy sinners, But be in the fear of the LORD all the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4691" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">16</span>My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: &#8217;al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib&#183;b&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#257; (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">let your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/7065.htm" title="7065: y&#601;&#183;qan&#183;n&#234; (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To be jealous or zealous. A primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. jealous or envious.">envy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2400.htm" title="2400: ba&#183;&#7717;a&#7789;&#183;&#7789;&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;m (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-mp) -- Sinful, sinners. Intensively from chata'; a criminal, or one accounted guilty.">sinners,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: k&#238; (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: &#8217;im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: k&#257;l- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">always continue</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay&#183;y&#333;&#183;wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3374.htm" title="3374: b&#601;&#183;yir&#183;&#8217;a&#7791;- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A fear. Feminine of yare'; fear; morally, reverence.">in the fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7-9</a></span><br />Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret&#8212;it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16-17</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. / For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a></span><br />Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1-2</a></span><br />Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; / for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Proverbs 24:19-20</a></span><br />Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. / For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12-13</a></span><br />Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14-15</a></span><br />You have said, &#8216;It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? / So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.&#8217;&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the LORD all the day long.</p><p class="hdg">not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31</a></b></br> Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1</a></b></br> Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1-3</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">be thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Proverbs 28:14</a></b></br> Happy <i>is</i> the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do <i>his commandments</i>: his praise endureth for ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Always</a> <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Live</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/psalms/78-58.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Always</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-25.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Do not let your heart envy sinners</b><br>This phrase warns against the natural human tendency to envy those who seem to prosper despite their sinful ways. In biblical context, envy is often seen as a destructive emotion that can lead one away from righteousness (<a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a>). The psalmist Asaph also struggled with this in <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, where he initially envied the prosperity of the wicked but later realized their ultimate fate. Historically, Israel was surrounded by pagan nations that often appeared prosperous, tempting the Israelites to stray from God's commandments. This warning serves as a reminder to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material success.<p><b>but always continue in the fear of the LORD</b><br>The "fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs and is considered the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). This phrase encourages a consistent, reverent relationship with God, which is characterized by obedience, respect, and awe. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, fearing the LORD was synonymous with living a life aligned with His commandments and values. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's power and authority. The call to "always continue" suggests perseverance and steadfastness in one's faith journey. This aligns with New Testament teachings, such as in <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a>, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, indicating a life of ongoing devotion and reverence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sinners.htm">Sinners</a></b><br>- In this context, "sinners" refers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments and pursue worldly desires.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>- The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the object of reverence and fear in this verse.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart_against_envy.htm">Guard Your Heart Against Envy</a></b><br>Envy can lead us away from God's path. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against the temptation to desire what sinners have.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord_as_a_foundation.htm">The Fear of the LORD as a Foundation</a></b><br>Living in the fear of the LORD means having a deep respect and reverence for God, which should guide our actions and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, worldly gains. The prosperity of sinners is fleeting, but the fear of the LORD leads to eternal life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god.htm">Contentment in God</a></b><br>Find contentment in your relationship with God rather than in material possessions or status. True satisfaction comes from knowing and serving Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistent_devotion.htm">Consistent Devotion</a></b><br>"Always continue" suggests a lifelong commitment to fearing the LORD. This requires daily dedication and intentionality in our walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_cleopatra.htm">Is God greater than our hearts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_hesychasm.htm">What is Hesychasm?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_'the_lord_tests_hearts'_be_proven.htm">Proverbs 17:3 says 'the Lord tests hearts.' How can this claim be scientifically or historically verified?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/1_kings_11_4_-_why_was_solomon_swayed.htm">1 Kings 11:4 - Why would a wise ruler be so easily swayed by foreign religions despite his renowned wisdom?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let not thine heart envy sinners,</span> when thou seest them apparently happy and prosperous (comp. <a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1, 19</a>; <a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a>). The Authorized Version, in agreement with the Septuagint, Vulgate, Arabic, and other versions, takes the second clause of this verse as an independent one: but it seems evidently to be constructionally connected with the preceding, and to be governed by the same verb, so that there is no occasion to insert "be thou." <span class="cmt_word">But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.</span> Jerome, corrected, would read, <span class="accented">Non aemuletur cor tuum peccatores, sed timorem Domini tota die</span>, As Delitzsch and Hitzig, followed by Nowack, have pointed out, the Hebrew verb, <span class="hebrew">&#x5e7;&#x5b8;&#x5e0;&#x5b8;&#x5d0;</span> (<span class="accented">kana</span>), is here used in two senses. In the first clause it signifies to be envious of a person: in the second, to be zealous for a thing, both senses combining in the thought of being moved with eager desire. <span class="greek">&#x396;&#x3b7;&#x3bb;&#x3bf;&#x3c4;&#x3c5;&#x3c0;&#x1f73;&#x3c9;</span> is used in this double sense, and <span class="accented">aemulor</span> in Latin. So the gnome comes to this - Show your heart's desire, not by envy of the sinner's fortune, but by zeal for true religion, that fear of the Lord which leads to strict obedience and earnest desire to please him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1463;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let your heart</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1460;&#1453;&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1498;&#1464;</span> <span class="translit">(lib&#183;b&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">envy</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1511;&#1463;&#1504;&#1468;&#1461;&#1443;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#601;&#183;qan&#183;n&#234;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7065.htm">Strong's 7065: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, zealous, jealous, envious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sinners,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1463;&#1469;&#1495;&#1463;&#1496;&#1468;&#1464;&#1488;&#1460;&#1425;&#1497;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(ba&#183;&#7717;a&#7789;&#183;&#7789;&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article &#124; Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> </span><span class="str2">A criminal, one accounted guilty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">always continue</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1464;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#257;l-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the fear</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1497;&#1460;&#1512;&#1456;&#1488;&#1463;&#1514;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;yir&#183;&#8217;a&#7791;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3374.htm">Strong's 3374: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fear, reverence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1437;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:17 Don't let your heart envy sinners (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10