2-3-06 Proverbs 23:17

Proverbs 23:17 (KJ21)
Let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in fear of the LORD all the day long.

Proverbs 23:17 (NAS)
Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.

Proverbs 23:17 (NIVUS)
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 23:17 (NLT)
Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD.

In our society, it seems as if there is always someone trying to keep up with someone else. The media dictates what success in the USA is and often you may not fit that image. Then you may feel yourself beginning to be envious and jealous of those who are made in that mold. This may even provoke you to anger. In your heart, your thoughts and feelings, you begin to believe you are not as valuable nor as beautiful as someone else. When you compare yourself to the alleged best, you always come up short.

However, you should not judge yourself according to the standards that society and the media establish, for they have been determined by sinners. These are already under condemnation and are offensive to Jehovah the Lord God. They make a practice of turning away from the right way. Their goals are to satisfy their own wants and desires at any cost.

You have learned the secret of true and enduring success, which is the fear and reverence for Adonai, Almighty God. You know He is the truly great One and if He approves of you, then the opinions of others are of no consequence. Therefore, continue daily to give God the honor and respect that He deserves. When you do this, you will be successful in all that you do; then sinners will begin to envy and be jealous of you.