Proverbs 23:17,18 “Let not thine heart envy sinners; but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off”

What a curious thing to the Christian to be told not to envy sinners. But the Spirit does not err in giving this exhortation. David gives the same counsel in Psalms 37:1-9, 35,36. We, as David, do not envy the wicked’s sinfulness; nor, perhaps, even the entrapments of great wealth and social prominence. Yet, like David, we do compare our condition to theirs at times – free of so many common difficulties and hardships (Psa.73:3,5) while the saint’s life is often one of trials of chastening and purging by the faithful Refiner of our souls (Malachi 3:3). Yet, often it is a great challenge to humbly embrace God’s use of His rod and staff to guide and correct us while we cast a wishful eye for at least a portion of the ease and serenity of the wicked.

Yes, what a contrary concept to be learned: the Christian’s life of inconvenience and low estate with its consequential difficulties is better to be desired than its counterpart. “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psa. 84:10). In this passage, the Hebrew word for “courts” indicates a fenced in yard or hamlet, and the same for the word “thousand” represents a thousand-fold, or, to bring forth thousands. So, this text now compels the image that existing for only one day in the lowest condition imaginable, but one of God’s dwelling, is better than a copious amount of life without measure or end. In addition, to be a doorkeeper, or literally to stand at the threshold of a door, waiting, holding it open…no worldly dowry, not expectation of change of advancement; but to simply stand waiting within the house of God in this posture and duty is far better than a lifestyle laden with unrestricted pleasantries and conveniences at our beckon within the sumptuous tents of the wicked.

What then, is the safeguard for the heart that it envies not the sinner? That which follows, “be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day.” The saint now is no different than the Psalmist then. We confess, as he did, “I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…they are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men” (Psa.73:3,5). And just like the Psalmist, our pondering and making comparison eventually becomes painful and discouraging to us until…we go into the sanctuary of God; placing ourselves in the environment and posture of God’s ordering: within His courts and as His doorkeeper. Then, do we also understand the frightful end of the wicked. “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end…Thou didst set them in slippery places; thou casteth them down into destruction…they are brought into desolation…they are utterly consumed with terrors” (Psa.73:17-19). Being continually with God (Psa.73:23) in fear, that is, in awe and adoration, is our safeguard. This is our antidote. Here we receive confidence and comfort for both worlds, “thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psa.73:24). Having such a portion for both time and eternity, how could the saint envy the sinner? “I have set the Lord always before me. Thou wilt shew me the path of life; the fulness of everlasting joy” (Psa.16:8-11).

This is nothing separate from common life. The fear of God all the day long gives a holy character to every component of our daily walk. The simplest acts of kindness are done “after a godly sort” (3 John 5,6). Let our prayers to God be that all our duties are “done heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto man” (Eph.6:6; Col.3:23) and the blessing will displace the envy. Dear Christian, may we all pray to be “in the fear of the Lord all the day long,” For this is to be in the presence of God, and “in Thy presence is fulness of joy; in they right hand are pleasures for evermore” (Psa.16:11).

The life and grandeur of the ungodly, however, shall perish “for surely there is an end.” His expectation shall perish, and his hope shall perish (Prv.11:7). Ah, but the expectation of the child of God “shall not be cut off.” The Redeemed of the Lord are begotten in Christ unto a “Lively hope” (1Pet1:3). A “hope that maketh not ashamed” (Rom.5:5). A hope that goes beyond hopefulness to a blessed assurance: “In His days Judah shall be saved…and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer.23:6); “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and ASSURANCE forever” (Isa.32:17). “For surely there is an end” to the troubles of Christ’s dear children. If our cross is heavy and the path seems long and weary, in truth, we have but a short time to bear it. And we shall be abundantly compensated with crowns of glory (1Pet.5:4). Meanwhile, pray that we judge not the Lord hastily by sense and feeling. Prove all things by God’s word and hold fast to that which is good (1Thess 5:21). Let patience have her prefect work (James1:4) and give time for Providence to explain itself. Wait “in the fear of the Lord all the day” and you shall see “an end,” yea, the end of His counsel. “I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer.29:11). May our hearts not envy the temporary advantages of this world dear saint. But rather hear the encouraging words of our Saviour and be assured of our end, “What I do thou knowest not now,” “but thou shalt know, hereafter” – and not only know, but approve (John 13:17).