Bible Strands
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text delivers a direct parental command to a child, positioned between an assurance of parental joy and a promise of future hope. It addresses the reader at a point of moral selection regarding whom to emulate.
The words — The verb יְקַנֵּא (ye.qan.nē) literally means "be jealous" or "envy," commanded against the לֵב (lēḇ, heart). The phrase בִּירְאַת יְהוָה (biyrʾat YHWH) translates to "in the fear of Yahweh," functioning as the sole permitted alternative.
The thread — The text's warning against covetousness parallels the exhortation in Proverbs 28:14 regarding constant reverence. Its call to separate from defilement aligns with 2 Corinthians 7:1, while its contrast between reverence and worldly pursuit mirrors Proverbs 15:16.
Why it lands — The verse commands the immediate cessation of resentful admiration for the wicked and the continuous practice of reverent obedience to God. It requires the reader to actively sustain a posture of awe rather than passively compare themselves to others.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
- 1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
- Psalms 37:1 Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.
- Ecclesiastes 5:7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
- Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Proverbs 3:31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
- Psalms 73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.