April 6 - Evaluate Before Envying.

Proverbs 24:1-2
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.”
 
Envy is a dangerous thing.
What begins as a hint of jealousy can soon transform into complete and utter bitterness. Thankfully, the Word of God warns us against falling into this trap.
 
Psalm 37:1
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
 
The heathen often only have one thing on their minds…sin.
Romans 14:23
“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
 
They have no faith, so therefore they are consumed by wickedness.
This must be why God had Solomon write these Scriptures so plainly to tell us that we are not even to desire to be in their presence. Paul even said to “turn away” from them in 2 Timothy.
 
Wisdom cannot reside within the same heart that studies destruction and speaks of mischief.
 
Ecclesiastes 9:18
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.”
 
Evaluate those who you often spend your time with.
What do they say? Where do they go? What are their motives?
 
If they are not passionately pursuing a daily walk with the Lord and actively serving Him, perhaps we should consider spending less time with them.
 
The more time spent with someone, the more we become like them and even envious of what they appear to have.
 
Colossians 3:1-2
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
 
When we seek only that which is from the Lord, we will never be left empty-handed or disappointed.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Joshua 5-6  |  Acts 7  |  Proverbs 6