KJV ORIGINAL
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Don't be jealous of evil people, and don't want to hang around with them.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is warning us not to envy wicked people or seek their company, even when they seem to be doing well.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, written during Israel's golden age when the nation was prosperous and peaceful. In ancient Israel, as in all societies, there were those who gained wealth and power through dishonest or harmful means, and it was tempting for good people to wonder if righteousness was worth it.
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