We all have at some point in our lives been jealous of unsaved coworkers, classmates, friends… Seeing friends and coworkers go camping every weekend in the summer or seeing them take day trips on Sundays can sometimes stir up a thought of envy. Proverbs 24 speaks about being envious of an evil person. “Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.”
Is the Bible calling our coworkers and friends evil? In comparison to Christ and His holiness, yes, the unsaved are evil. The Bible goes on to tell us not to wish to be around them. When unsaved coworkers and friend go out for drinks after work, that’s not a time for the believer to build relationships. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
What’s the big deal about hanging out with unbelievers? As our passage continues on we see the unsaved have a completely different perspective on life. The Bible says their heart studies destruction or devises violence and their lips talk about mischief or trouble. Does that sound like someone a believer should be close to?
Christians have something far sweeter than a night out on the town. We have the plan for true joy. Don’t sacrifice long lasting joy for short acting happiness. Proverbs 23:17 says, “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.” Trust God’s plan for joy and contentment.