By“Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation], But [continue to] live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord day by day. Surely there is a future [and a reward], And your hope and expectation will not be cut off.” — Proverbs 23:17-18 AMP
One common disorder in today’s world is how godless people tend to possess and misuse the things Christians need, especially when it comes to wealth. That didn’t start from today, but way back in the generation of Solomon. Look at what he said in Ecclesiastes 10:7.
I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the ground.
Ecclesiastes 10:7 AMP
Interpreting the above scripture using today’s world categories of people, “slaves” represent those under the bondage of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) and “princes” represent the children of God. So, what Solomon was saying is that godless people are materially wealthier than the children of God.
If you check the list of the world’s affluent people, very few Christians are on it. In God’s idea, this shouldn’t be so, but that’s how it has become.
Now that doesn’t mean God isn’t a provider. No! He provides and is ever willing to provide. Yet, He wants us to gain enough divine knowledge to walk in the realm of abundance before entrusting the true riches of His kingdom.
However, because many Christians aren’t willing to read, study and practice good wealth and resource management, one plague has affected many people’s lives indirectly. That plague is called the get-rich-quick mentality or work-to-earn-a-living mentality. Because of this, many financially unstable believers tend to envy the wealth of sinners (ungodly people).
The same preacher Solomon after spitting out this unfortunate worldly incident in Ecclesiastes 10:7 gave a warning in Proverbs 23:17 by saying, “Do not let your heart envy sinners.” Solomon knew that if this didn’t get addressed, people would stop following God with a sincere heart to make money.
Then the preacher continues to say in Proverbs 23:18 that,
Surely there is a future [and a reward], And your hope and expectation will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18 AMP
Beloved, God’s plan for your life is far better than anything you’ve seen in a well-to-do unbeliever’s life. That person may have money, cars and other life possessions you don’t have. But what about his sufferings like lack of purpose, anxiety and sickness, which you can’t see?
Don’t be deceived. Stop comparing your life with what you have or don’t have. A man’s life doesn’t consist of an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Instead, be thoughtful and study good Christ-centred resources that’d broaden your divine knowledge of God in eternal life. Then you’ll see that God is greater than anything worldly. Mind the Father’s business. Seek God’s kingdom, and study to show yourself approved unto God.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I refuse to let my heart envy sinners. I refuse to accept any suggestion or thought that tries to make me compare my life to any unbeliever’s life. I choose to live unto You and be more diligent unto the fulfilment of Your assignment upon my life.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 196
Also read: How to defeat thoughts of envy
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