Pro 24:20 | KingComments | STEP | looks like a quote Solomon copied from his father David, who said the same thing ( ; ). It is foolish to “fret because of evildoers” and to be “envious of the wicked”. gives the reason for this, which can be seen by the word “for” with which the verse begins. The future fate of the wicked should keep the son from becoming envious of their present prosperity. Their prosperity has an expiration date. After that, it is finished. He must also realize that God in His providence still allows evil-doers and wicked people to have their way. They are under His control, even though it seems as if they can go about their business undisturbed. What they do can make us angry in some cases and envious in others. It just depends on what they are doing and how we view or have to do with it. If we only look at them and their behavior, we get to such feelings. Then we show a very short-sighted view of them. We need to be aware that evil has no future, but will be judged and locked in hell for eternity, with no prospect of deliverance. The lamp of wicked people, that is, their light of life, will not shine forever. Their life will be extinguished, as happens with an oil lamp that is blown out. Nor will their lamp ever be lit again ( ).

‏ Proverbs 24:20

The Evil Man Has No Future

Pro 24:19 looks like a quote Solomon copied from his father David, who said the same thing (Psa 37:1; Pro 23:17 ; Pro 24:1). It is foolish to “fret because of evildoers” and to be “envious of the wicked”. Pro 24:20 gives the reason for this, which can be seen by the word “for” with which the verse begins. The future fate of the wicked should keep the son from becoming envious of their present prosperity. Their prosperity has an expiration date. After that, it is finished. He must also realize that God in His providence still allows evil-doers and wicked people to have their way. They are under His control, even though it seems as if they can go about their business undisturbed.

What they do can make us angry in some cases and envious in others. It just depends on what they are doing and how we view or have to do with it. If we only look at them and their behavior, we get to such feelings. Then we show a very short-sighted view of them. We need to be aware that evil has no future, but will be judged and locked in hell for eternity, with no prospect of deliverance. The lamp of wicked people, that is, their light of life, will not shine forever. Their life will be extinguished, as happens with an oil lamp that is blown out. Nor will their lamp ever be lit again (Job 18:5-6 ; Job 21:17).