DON’T BE ENVIOUS OF EVIL MEN
“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.” (Proverbs 24:1 NKJV)
When Asaph focused his mind on the seeming prosperity of the evil men in his generation, he became envious of them and he almost stumbled and slipped from the narrow path of life into the broad way that leads to destruction. In this evil and corrupt world, like Asaph, you also may observe with disgust and displeasure how that many ungodly or evil men “are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.” (Psa. 73:5-9 NKJV). Many believers today are envious of the ungodly “super stars” or “celebrities” in the world today because they are ignorant of what the Scripture says about the end of the ungodly people. While the ungodly men may escape or circumvent justice in this corrupt world, and this may be very painful and difficult to understand, however, they cannot escape God’s justice or punishment at the end of their ungodly life. The Scripture teaches that it is possible for the wicked to succeed, or prosper in this evil world in spite of his wickedness or ungodliness. However, the Scripture warns that the triumphing, exulting or singing of the wicked or ungodly people is transitory or short-lived.
The Scripture affirms this truth in Job 20: 4-10 “Do you not know this of old, Since man was placed on earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment? Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, And his head reaches to the clouds, yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, Nor will his place behold him anymore. His children will seek the favor of the poor, And his hands will restore his wealth.” (NKJV) Therefore, it is foolishness for any believer to be envious of the transitory or temporary triumphing or rejoicing of the ungodly men who shun the gift of eternal life that God graciously offers them in Christ Jesus. God will never forget the righteous or suffer his children to beg for food. The afflictions of the righteous may be many, but God will deliver him out of them all. God’s blessings are on the head of the righteous. Don’t become discouraged or sluggish in practicing righteousness and serving God because of the fleeting prosperity of the ungodly men. The prosperity and joy of the ungodly men are but for a moment, but yours are eternal.
Liberation Thought: I will wait patiently on God
Further Reading: Psalm 73
Prayer:
By the power and anointing of this commission, O Lord suspend and terminate the activities of every witchcraft power in my life
I command the earth to open up and swallow every agent of the devil that refuse to resign on my case
O God blindfold everyone monitoring my progress in order to halt it and do me harm
Thank you.