Proverbs 24:19 - Meaning and Application

Here, Solomon repeats the warning he gave before against envying the pleasures and success of wicked people in their evil ways. He takes this from his father David, who said, “Do not fret because of evildoers” (Psalm 37:1). We must not let ourselves become upset or bitter, whatever God does in his providence, even when it feels hard, unfair, or against our hopes.

Even what grieves us should not make us restless. We must not look with resentment on anyone just because God is kind to them. Are we wiser or more just than he is? If wicked people prosper, we must not be tempted to copy them.

Solomon gives a reason for this warning from the end of the wicked person’s path. Do not envy their success, because there is no true happiness in it. The evil man has no lasting reward. His prosperity only supports his life for now, and that is all the good he can expect. He has his reward already (Matthew 6:2), and he will have none in the world to come. People whose share is only in this life, and who must leave it behind, are not the ones to envy (Psalm 17:14).

There is also no lasting strength in their success. Their candle may shine brightly for a time, but it will soon go out, and all their comforts will end. Their prosperity is brief, and their joy will not stay with them (Job 21:14; Psalm 37:1-2).