HOPE THAT SHAMES NOT
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:17-18 NKJV
Envy is subtle. It doesn’t always roar like pride or parade itself like greed. Sometimes it just lingers in the heart quietly, resentful, and unspoken especially when we see people prosper without honoring God.
It sneaks in when their shortcuts seem to work, when their compromise seems to bring reward, and when our faithfulness feels costly and unseen. But Scripture does not say, “Don’t envy because it’s unkind.” It says, don’t envy because it’s foolish. It lacks vision. The one who fears the Lord walks with the end in view.
There is a hereafter, there is more than what we see. Those who build their lives without God may seem to succeed for a moment, but their reward is temporary. A house built without the fear of the Lord may look strong today, but it cannot stand forever.
In contrast, the one who is zealous for the fear of the Lord will not be disappointed. There is no expiration date on hope when it is placed in God. Every seed sown in faith, every stand taken in quiet obedience, every costly act of righteousness, He sees it all. And there is a day coming when that hope will bloom beyond anything this world can offer.
Child of God, do not waste your heart comparing. Don’t shrink your vision to the size of this moment. Fix your eyes on eternity, and let your zeal burn for nothing short of His glory.
Your hope is not in vain.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. In all my endeavors I guard my heart from envy. When I am tempted to compare or resent the success of the ungodly, lift my eyes to eternity. Make me zealous for Your name, steady in Your fear, and confident in Your promises. Help me live for what lasts. Thank You that my hope in You will never be cut off. In Jesus’ name, amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Psalm 37
• Galatians 6:9
• Hebrews 11:24
