Envy the Evil?

Pro 24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Pro 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

We have to be careful not to be envious of evil men.  Sometimes when we look at our circumstances and then compare them to the circumstances of those who care nothing about God we can become envious.  When we see the large homes, large bank accounts and fame of those that don't love God we need to remember that our treasures are above, not here on the earth.  The devil will provide many things to his children to keep them ensnared and uninterested in the things of God.  The preacher R.G. Lee preached a famous sermon "Payday Someday".  He understood as a Christian that our payday is out in eternity when we stand face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Bible instructs us that where our treasures are, there will our heart be also.  Far too many of God's people are concerned about laying up their treasures in this life.  Their eyes are so focused on material and temporal things that they fail to do what God has called them to do.  There should be nothing in our life more precious to us than being obedient to God.  If there is anything in your life that is keeping you from doing the will of God you have created an idol.  That person or thing has taken the most important place in your life.  It has usurped God's rightful place in your life.

Our verses point out another reason we shouldn't be envious of evil men.  Their hearts study destruction and their lips talk of mischief.  In comparison the hearts of the Christians should study life.  The eternal life that is available to lost man through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus.  We should study the abundant life that is available to us as we walk hand in hand with the Lord.  

Evil men's lips speak of mischief.  Christians lips should speak of edification and encouragement.  Our lips should be used to encourage the brethren.  Our lips should be used to pray and share the burden of other Christians.

Always remember when we are tempted to look at the wealth and riches of evil men, 1Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."  Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." As Christians our payday may not be in this life, but God is always faithful to His people.