Have you ever seen someone break the rules and seem to get away with it? It can make you jealous. Proverbs 23 tells us not to envy them.

It Looks Fun at First

Psalm 73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Even people in the Bible got jealous of others who did wrong and seemed happy. But sin always has a cost in the end.

Fear God Instead

Proverbs 23:17-18 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Fearing God isn’t being afraid of him. It’s respecting and loving him so much that you want to obey. And God promises that following him leads to a real future and hope.

Make Your Dad Glad

Proverbs 23:24 The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

Dads, few things bring us more joy than seeing our sons choose God’s way.

The Takeaway

Don’t be jealous of people who do wrong. Their fun won’t last. Keep following God, and your hope won’t be disappointed.

Discuss and Dive Deeper

Talk about it:

  1. Fathers and sons, read Proverbs 23 together, taking turns by section.
  2. Why is it tempting to “envy” sinners? Who makes you jealous?
  3. What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? How is it different from being afraid?
  4. What is the reward for fearing God instead of envying sinners?
  5. Dads, share a time you were jealous of someone and later saw it wasn’t worth it.
  6. What’s your favorite verse from this chapter? Explain.
  7. Close your time together in prayer.

See also:

Proverbs for Men and Boys (Men’s Series)