Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope,and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
This wise saying reminds us there are people out there who are not very nice. It also tells us what is going to happen to them and what we should do about it.
We shouldn’t “fret because of evildoers.” While “fret” doesn’t sound like a big deal, the term comes from the root “to burn” with anger. We mustn’t let those guys get us all fired up!
We’re also not to “be envious of the wicked” or strongly desirous of them or what they have. Admittedly, they might have some cool stuff or do things we think are exciting – but, in the end, they will have nothing we would really want.
The reason this verse suggests we should not get fixated on them, or let them rent space in our heads, is because they have “no future hope” and they will actually “be snuffed out.”
The ability to see beyond the present is so important. One of the reasons we struggle with life is our inability to see anything except what is in front of us. We’ve all made bad choices in daily life – maybe even jobs and relationships – because we just couldn’t see the bigger picture.
This verse reminds us that – when the smoke all clears and the dust all settles – these guys won’t be standing. And, if that’s how it’s going down, maybe I should rethink my own priorities and focus.
There is a better way!
“For I know the plans I have planned for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper, not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
My choice, my call, one day at a time!