PROV. 23:17-21, 29-35 EXTRA
vv. 17-18: Sometimes it seems like they've got it all doesn't it? Nice houses. New suits. Shiny shoes. Unlimited credit. Beautiful lovers. Beautiful bodies. Exotic travel. Whether it's a successful CEO, a Hollywood star, a sports hero or the guy who lives down the street - we are prone to envy what others have. We see their apparent ease and are tempted to think that they're living the good life. We get lured into thinking that God is holding out on us and that if we had what they had, then we'd be happy. This of course is the same lie Satan told in the Garden so many days ago, tempting God's people to not delight in what God has given, but to look to what He has withheld. Our text tells us to not let our hearts envy sinners, those who do not know God. They have no regard for Him and see no need for Him. i.e., I've got it all, what do I need God for? But the point of the passage is to alert us to the fact that our hearts are prone to look for pleasure in what others possess rather than what God has provided, "let not your heart envy sinners." The danger with envy is its insidious nature. Envy is a temptation that calls us to point our finger at God and say "what you have given me is not good enough." It calls us to entertain ways to get what others have. To lie, cheat, steal, use others - and disregard God. The remedy for envy is not a new prescription, but certainly a faithful one: "continue in the fear of the Lord all the day." If discontentment breads displeasure with God, then the fear of God frees us to delight in Him. This God-centered perspective must be a daily pursuit for God's people. Since our hearts are tempted all day long, we must "continue in the fear of the Lord all the day."
v. 19: "Hear [hearken; obey] thou, my son, and be wise [act wise; refrain from evil], and guide [go straight; be honest] thine heart [mind; thoughts] in the way [course of life; path; journey]." Solomon counseled his son to "hear", meaning to hear and heed his father's instructions; and "be wise"-literally, refrain from foolish, sinful choices. He challenged him to keep his heart on the right path. Solomon understood what every parent must come to accept-there is a time in the life of every son and daughter when they must shoulder the burden and responsibility for their attitudes and actions. A time of testing and temptation is inevitable in this sin-cursed world and the character of a man or woman will be revealed in their choices. The immediate application of Solomon's counsel and challenge was a temptation that was too readily available in a king's court-wine and rich food. The way of wisdom is the only right way. These are the things that a good teacher teaches. First, the student has to open his ears of his understanding so that his heart may receive.
