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| February 19, 2002, Tuesday Proverbs Chapter 23 There are many things that man desires, envies, and covets. "Be thou not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them./ For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief" (Pr 23:1, 2). "Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:" (Pr 23:19) ....the Bible teaches that we should not desire to be with evil men. But there are so man "evil" sinful men, surely it would be impossible to refrain from interacting with them. But that is not what is stated. We should not be envious of them. The things that they possess have been gained through evil means and/or intentions. Concerning those things which evil men have attained, we should not be envous, knowing that our Provider is greater than the world and that He will provide for His own the necessities and satsify all their desires. But what if we were to follow after "evil men?" There is an ultimate conclusion to their gains. "For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out" (Pr 23:20). Not only will unsaved men be ultimately unsatsified with their gains, but "the candle of the wicked shall be put out." There is eternal damnation for those unsaved souls. Even if they were to gain the whole world, losing their souls for eternity would not compare to the posessions they enjoyed. And how should we then act towards those that are unrighteous? "But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them" (Pr 23:25). Through the power and hope of God, the wicked man's edification would glorify our Creator and He will send a good blessing to "come upon" those who serve Him well. I should not labor to be part of them for I am wholly possessed of a different passion. *end of excerpt* |