Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

PROVERBS 23:17KJV
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Proverbs 23:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 23:17 mean?

Proverbs 23:17 warns the reader not to let their heart envy sinners, but instead to live with a continual respect and reverence for the LORD. The verse encourages focusing on a life shaped by awe of God rather than being drawn to the apparent success or pleasures of those who do not follow God’s ways.

In this part of Proverbs, a wise teacher (traditionally Solomon) is speaking to a younger listener, likely his son or a student. The situation is one where the reader might be tempted to compare themselves to people who do wrong but seem to prosper. The verse calls for an inner attitude shaped by “the fear of the LORD” all day long, highlighting that true security and meaning come from God, not from copying the ways of those who ignore Him.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 23:17

  • heart (לֵב, lev): This word refers to the inner self—thoughts, desires, and will. The warning is not just about outward actions but about what the reader lets themselves desire or admire deep inside.
  • envy (קָנָא, qanah): This word means to be jealous or to desire what others have. The verse cautions against letting this feeling take root, especially toward those who seem to succeed through wrongdoing.
  • sinners (חַטָּאִים, chatta’im): This term describes people who miss the mark or live in ways that go against God’s instructions. The focus is on not admiring or wanting the life of those who disregard God.
  • fear (יִרְאָה, yirah): This word means reverence, awe, or deep respect. The verse isn’t talking about being scared, but about living with a constant awareness of God’s greatness and authority.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a relationship with the one true God.

Why Proverbs 23:17 matters

  • Proverbs 23:17 clarifies that envy is not just a feeling but a heart issue that can shape a person’s whole outlook and choices.
  • The verse shifts the focus from outward success to inward character, stressing that living in reverence for God is more important than chasing what others have.
  • This verse fits into a larger section warning against being misled by appearances and encourages the reader to value what God values, even when it seems less immediately rewarding.

Where else these words appear

“sinners” Hebrew H2400 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
  • Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

“envy” Hebrew H7065 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 26:14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
  • Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.