7 Days Of Wisdom In ProverbsSample

Reflection on Proverbs 23:17 – 18

The writer of Psalm 73 was alarmed that the wicked seemed to be having a great time in life and the righteous seemed to be suffering. That didn’t fit the picture of God’s justice — until the psalmist came into God’s presence and got an eternal perspective (see Psalm 73:17). He realized that in the long run, the pleasures of the wicked will pass into pain and the pain of those who love God will give way to pleasures in his presence forever. The momentary view was deceptive.

That’s why Proverbs strongly warns us here and elsewhere (see Proverbs 3:31; 24:1 – 2,19 – 20) against envying those who are not living for God. At times it may look like they are having all the fun, but their lives will ultimately be unfulfilling unless they forsake evil and follow God’s paths. Because we are confident in our hope, we can be zealous for God and refuse to envy sinners. We are rich in God’s goodness not only now but also in the future. We will never regret the hard choices we make for him.