Daily Devotion of Proverbs 24

Daily Nugget:
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” Proverbs 24:1

Sometimes the children of God look around, and it appears to them that those they see living unrighteously are doing well and getting away with their sin. At times, some may even wish they had the riches or fame the ungodly have, no matter what those people did to get what they have. People have often been envious of those doing evil.

However, no one gets away with sin. There is a price tag for doing wrong that all will pay one day, either i
n their earthly future or in their eternity. Never desire what the ungodly have because those baubles they have accrued on this earth are all they have, and in many cases, they will not have those things or notoriety very long.

The godly will certainly have trials and tribulations in this world. There is no way to avoid all of them, but when we do go through those valleys, we will rise and be victorious. Unfortunately, the lost can seldom say that after they fall from heavy burdens and hardships.
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 23:16

When the ungodly do fall, however, Christians should not be joyous over their misfortunes. When we fail, we have hope and godly help. The unsaved do not have the same assurance and assistance we have when we go through valleys of despair. Pray and help them if you can when they have trials.
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:” Proverbs 24:17

Those that relish when it appears the ungodly are reaping consequences of sin are not pleasing the Lord by doing so. It displeases God when we rejoice in other’s hardships. When we fall, and we all have, we wanted help and consolation. The lost also need comfort and understanding when going through hard times. Be that for them in their time of need.
“Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:18

Do not worry about evildoers. It may appear that they may be getting away with their transgressions, but again, no one gets away with sin. There will be a payday for sin someday.

God has not overlooked their iniquities. He has not forgotten. God was patient with you in the past when you were not doing right, and he is patient with others also. He will deal with them at His time, not yours.
“Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.” Proverbs 24:19-20

Today’s Thought: 
“Evil as such is the only thing I can do without God.” — Jacques Maritain

Words to Understand:
Envious: jealous of another’s position, opportunities, or possessions
Nettles: a thorny plant
Scorner: those that refuse to hear advice or get mad or disrespectful when it is suggested that there are other directions or choices they could be making

Today’s Reading:
Proverbs 24
1 ¶ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
3 ¶ Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
7 ¶ Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
10 ¶ If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
11 ¶ If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
13 ¶ My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
15 ¶ Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17 ¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19 ¶ Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21 ¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
23 ¶ These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
27 ¶ Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28 ¶ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
30 ¶ I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.