The Sayings of the Wise – Part 20

THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE

SAYING NUMBER NINETEEN

This 19^th saying from the astute is this: “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:1–2, ESV).

It is plain that it is foolish to envy evil men or even desire their company.  The proverb provides the ground for such a warning: their hearts seek violence and their lips speak of trouble.  This proverb recapitulates the teaching of 23:15–21, which I commented on in this Blog.   A heart that envies sinners is contrasted with a heart that fears the Lord.  The wise are “zealous” for the fear of the Lord. “The glamorous lives of the worldly often arouse great envy in young and old alike.”^[1]

Why would one wish to use the heart and the lips that God would has given to us to glorify Him to become partners with evil practices? “The choice of companions often begins in the desire to emulate. But what kind of company can one have with people who think and speak about trouble?”^[2] What is it in our sinful hearts that is drawn to be with, to imitate, and to receive the affirmation of evil people?  There is evidence within the literature that this passion is motivated “. . ., perhaps for the success and prosperity they enjoy (3:31; 23:17; 24:19; Psa 37:1).”^[3] 

The point is that one’s company can be a great threat to one’s moral life. “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.” (Psalm 1:1, NLT). 

There are a lot of Bible verses that teach about friendship.  From the character of loyalty to a person that is there in times of need, the Scriptures teach us a lot about friendship.  Here are a few: 

• “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, ESV)
• “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, ESV)
• “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Proverbs 27:9, ESV)
• “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)
• “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV) 

For a Christian, healthy, God-honouring friendships are built upon a mutual love for Christ and the Gospel; upon love for one another that desires the best for his or her friend; and it is serving and sacrificial. 

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^[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 1241). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Koptak, P. E. (2003). Proverbs (p. 561). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

^[3] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Pr 24:1–2). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.