Envious unto Destruction
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.
Why would we ever be envious of evil men? As the blackberry in the back of the thorn bush, satan always tempts us that even though its path is through briers, that furthermost berry is better. Alas, we soon find that the self-inflicted travail was not to a better end, but rather a tormented road needlessly traveled. So often we fall to the thoughts of greener grass on the other side, but remember this today believer: God has made us to lie in the green pastures and this is according to His infallible Word. What has the sinner to offer you? Surely how senseless it would be to partake of this self-destruction. To even be with the evil man is to take damage to your very soul, for you will learn his ways. Cast off now that penchant to search out what is seen to be a life of mirth. It is all vanity, said the wise man Solomon. What may be seen is not nearly as relevant as what cannot be seen in such a case. Look in the sinner's heart; and if you could, the lying pictures of joy pasted on his outward appearance would be in drastic contrast to their true feelings within. Where is his joy? Where is his security? Where is his peace? In Christ we find all these things and more, but to the sinner they are lacking. What of his rioting in excess? Does it not appear well to him? Believer, if you could only but for a second take a revealing look into his soul, you would find the thunders of life's storms raging by the fuel of hate, envy, and sinfulness. Look now to his end: he studies destruction, and truly by his very ways destruction is brought unto him by his very own doings. Even in all this, still evil men cannot leave destruction to themselves, they lay these certain troubles at the feet of others to pass on misery and despair. Make a rebuke at such a thought that would entice you today believer to try the ways of sin. Their end is clear, and recorded, their joy is far removed. Rather look now unto Christ, who in Himself, has offered to all the free gifts and blessings of God. Why would you bring yourself now to seek out your own destruction when Christ is so near? Let not our eyes deceive us, and let not our hearts turn us when it is beckoned by the nature of the flesh. Evil men have nothing of value to offer to the saints, for Christians are supplied by the wealth of Heaven. Desire not to be with evil men, but turn your desires to be with Christ!
