Envying the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible, warning believers against the temptation to covet the apparent prosperity and success of those who do not follow God's ways. This topic is addressed in various passages, emphasizing the spiritual and moral dangers of such envy and encouraging believers to maintain their focus on God's righteousness and eternal promises.

Biblical Warnings Against Envy

The Bible explicitly warns against envying the wicked, highlighting the futility and spiritual peril of such attitudes. In Psalm 37:1-2 , David advises, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants." This passage underscores the transient nature of the wicked's success, contrasting it with the enduring righteousness of those who trust in the Lord.

Similarly, Proverbs 24:19-20 cautions, "Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished." Here, the ultimate fate of the wicked is made clear, serving as a reminder that their apparent prosperity is temporary and ultimately leads to destruction.

The Spiritual Consequences of Envy

Envying the wicked can lead to spiritual discontent and a departure from God's path. In Psalm 73, Asaph reflects on his own struggle with envying the arrogant and the prosperity of the wicked. He admits in verses 2-3 , "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." This internal conflict reveals how envy can cause believers to question their faith and the justice of God.

However, Asaph's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God and discerns the ultimate end of the wicked. In verses 16-17 , he states, "When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end." This realization reaffirms the importance of maintaining a divine perspective and trusting in God's ultimate justice.

Encouragement to Trust in the Lord

The Bible encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God and His promises rather than the fleeting success of the wicked. Psalm 37:3-4 advises, "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This passage emphasizes the blessings that come from a life devoted to God, contrasting with the temporary gains of the wicked.

Furthermore, Proverbs 23:17-18 instructs, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." This encouragement to fear the Lord and maintain hope in His promises serves as a powerful antidote to the temptation of envy.

The Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that true reward lies in faithfulness to God. In 1 John 2:15-17 , the apostle John warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

This passage reinforces the transient nature of worldly success and the enduring value of a life aligned with God's will. By focusing on eternal truths and the promises of God, believers can resist the temptation to envy the wicked and remain steadfast in their faith.