Of Evil Men

For Thursday, August 2, 2007
Proverbs 24:1-2

Be not envious of evil men,
nor desire to be with them,
for their hearts devise violence,
and their lips talk of trouble.

Sometimes we are envious of the wicked. They seem to prosper. They seem to be happy and contented. They have traits that seem admirable - daring, decisive, even generous at times. Some even rise to the status of heroes and legends.

But don't forget what they are about - trouble, violence. They are wrong-doers. It is easy to be daring and decisive without a conscience. It is easy to be generous as an oppressor and possessing riches that one can maintain through stealing from others. It is easy to be kind to some people while ruthless with others.

And remember what it is to become the friend of an evil men. You move yourself into the position of "owing" the duties of friendship as they define it. You are expected to do them favors - from hiding them from the law or helping them to break the law. They scheme trouble - not trouble to get into, but trouble to cause for others, and they have no troubled conscience about you getting caught in those troubles.

Do not envy the wicked, but rather delight in the path of righteousness and in the Righteous One who acts only for your good.