Proverbs 24:1
Proverbs 24:1 in Multiple Translations
Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:
Have no envy for evil men, or any desire to be with them:
Don't be jealous of evil people; don't long to spend time with them,
Be not thou enuious against euill men, neither desire to be with them.
Be not envious of evil men, And desire not to be with them.
Don’t be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them;
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Seek not to be like evil men, neither desire to be with them:
Do not envy evil people; do not desire to associate with them,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 24:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֣י
רָעָ֑ה
וְ/אַל
תתאו
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
אִתָּֽ/ם
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
qânâʼ
H7065
be jealous
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-mp
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תתאו
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִתָּֽ/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:1
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
qânâʼ
H7065
"be jealous"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
To be jealous means to feel envious or resentful of someone or something, often because of a perceived threat or rivalry. In the Bible, jealousy is sometimes portrayed as a negative emotion, as in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to envy, be jealous, be envious, be zealous 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to be jealous of 1a2) to be envious of 1a3) to be zealous for 1a4) to excite to jealous anger 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to jealous anger, cause jealousy
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous). See also: Genesis 26:14; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תתאו
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִתָּֽ/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:1
Context — Saying 20
1Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;
2for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble. 3By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:17 | Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:31 | Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; |
| 4 | James 4:5–6 | Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 5 | Galatians 5:19–21 | The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
| 7 | Psalms 73:3 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 8 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 9 | Psalms 26:9 | Do not take my soul away with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed, |
| 10 | Proverbs 24:19 | Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. |
Proverbs 24:1 Summary
This verse is warning us not to be jealous of people who do bad things or want to hang out with them. The reason is that they think about hurting people and say things that cause trouble, as we see in Proverbs 24:2. Instead, we should focus on being wise and trusting in God, like it says in Psalms 37:3-4, and remember that God's ways are the best ways, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can build a strong and good life, just like a house built on a strong foundation, as described in Proverbs 24:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main warning in Proverbs 24:1?
The main warning in Proverbs 24:1 is against envying wicked men or desiring their company, as seen in the verse itself, and this warning is also echoed in Psalms 1:1, which says not to walk in the counsel of the wicked.
Why should we not desire the company of wicked men?
We should not desire the company of wicked men because their hearts devise violence and their lips declare trouble, as stated in Proverbs 24:2, and also because bad company can corrupt good morals, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
How can we avoid envying wicked men?
We can avoid envying wicked men by focusing on God's ways and trusting in His goodness, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4, and by remembering that the wealth and power of wicked men are temporary and ultimately meaningless, as taught in Luke 12:15.
What is the alternative to envying wicked men?
The alternative to envying wicked men is to trust in God, seek wisdom, and build a life based on understanding and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:3 and in Jeremiah 9:23-24, which says to let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have been tempted to envy or desire the company of wicked men, and how can I turn away from those temptations?
- How can I cultivate a heart that trusts in God's goodness and wisdom, rather than being drawn to the fleeting allure of wickedness?
- What are some practical steps I can take to surround myself with godly influences and avoid bad company?
- How can I use my own experiences and observations to warn others about the dangers of envying or desiring the company of wicked men?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:1
Be not thou envious against evil men,.... Or, "men of evil" (b).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:1
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. Evil men, neither desire to be with them - i:e., to share in their ways.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
CHAPTER 24 Their company or manner of life.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
Proverbs 24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.Ver. 1. Be not thou envious against evil men.] Heb., Men of evil - such as are set upon sin; as are like Caracalla, qui nihil cogitabat boni, qui id non didicerat; quod ipse fatebatur, saith Dio, Who never thought of any good, &c. Envy not such a one his pomp, any more than we do a dead corpse his flowers and gaiety. See Proverbs 23:17. Neither desire to be with them.] That is, To be in their estate, so thou mightest be at their stay. This hath been the folly of some of God’ s people, as David noteth, Psalms 73:10. For the which they have afterwards befooled and bebeasted themselves, as he did, Psalms 73:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
CHAPTER XXIV Do not be envious. Of the house wisely built. Counsel necessary in war. Save life when thou canst. Of honey and the honey-comb. Of the just that falleth seven times. We should not rejoice at the misfortune of others. Ruin of the wicked. Fear God and the king. Prepare thy work.
The field of the sluggard, and the vineyard of the foolish, described. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIV
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:1
1. Be not thou envious] Comp. Proverbs 23:17.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:1
A lesson given before, now combined with another. True followers after wisdom will admit neither envy of evil on the one hand, nor admiration or fellowship with it on the other.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:1
1, 2. Be not thou envious — ú÷ðà, (tekanne,) jealous, angry, or excited.The radical idea is heat. See Proverbs 24:19; also Proverbs 28:5; Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 23:3; Proverbs 23:6; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Wise Man Is Strong by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a condemned man and his brother who visits him in prison. The condemned man expresses his hatred and bitterness towards those involv |
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Keeping Your Spirit Focused by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to worry or be envious of those who do wrong. He emphasizes the temporary nature of evil and compares it to withering grass |
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(Proverbs) ch.24:1 - 34 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the dangers of worldliness and the importance of wisdom in building our lives and communities. He warns against the gradual intoxication of our hearts by worl |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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Home Before Dark by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal testimony about the importance of giving testimonies and sharing one's individual experiences. He references Psalm 66:16-20 |
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Life of David by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions t |