Proverbs 24:19-20

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight: 

Proverbs 24:19-20 (ESV)

Fret not yourself because of evildoers,

and be not envious of the wicked,

for the evil man has no future;

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

In Psalm 73 Asaph, the Priest during David and Solomon's day, found himself envious of the evil men around him.  As he observed he couldn't see any troubles in their lives.  He only saw them relaxing and enjoying life, while he, a child of God, suffered in difficulty.   Job was in the same way and even has his wife and his friends condemn him.   Demas, in Paul's day, left Paul and the "confines" of the ministry, falling in love with the world (2 Timothy 4:10).   Demas didn't remember, or know, the truth of the above Proverb.   Job's wife clearly missed its truth.   Asaph, later in Psalm 73, comes to his senses.  He states that it wasn't until he "remembered" their (the wicked) end.   Once he recalled what God said about the wicked and evildoers he was able to press on in his faith.   We all have similar thoughts and envy like these examples.   Solomon knew that and pens this truth so that you and I can remember not to be envious of those who reject God.  This is Satan's world and he rewards his subjects handsomely.  Satan wants others who reject God feel comfortable.  The reason?  Because he knows his end (he can read God's Word).  He knows the end of those reject God ... there is no future and their lamp will be put out.   When we remember their end we come to a point of compassion.  They have lost everything of value to follow their own desires and to "win in this world."   Don't be envious.   Be compassionate and prayerful.   The light they have now that shines so brightly is running quickly out of fuel.